Celtic have returned to Scottish league action with a bang following their European exploits, thrashing Dunfirmline 4-0 to stay twelve points clear at the top. John Hartson scored a double for the second successive week with Bobo Balde and Alan Thompson notching the other goals.
Martin O’Neill admitted after the game that he is still recovering from Celtic’s draining UEFA Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Valencia on Thursday evening. “I'm still as disappointed today as I was on Thursday night and Friday. I would have loved to be still in it and have those European games put aside until after Christmas. But it was a great effort by the players and I think they have gained confidence from that today and we pulled together. I knew how the players were feeling after the other night and today was a sign of what they want to achieve.
“It has not only given them more confidence and desire to go back there and they only way for us to do that and have another crack at it is to win the SPL again. I was very pleased because I was concerned beforehand how they would react after going out, but their attitude was terrific. From that aspect I don't have any concerns about them bouncing back, but I would have loved the extra days,” said the Celtic manager.
Over at Ibrox, Shota Arveladze’s predatory 70th minute goal sealed a 3-1 win for Rangers over Hearts this afternoon. Speaking after the game, Rangers manager Dick Advocaat confirmed that his three-year stint at Ibrox is coming to an end, although the Dutchman would not say when he would leave. Advocaat is expected to become director of football when a new coach arrives, but he is likely to stay until the end of the season as Rangers are still in European competition after Christmas for the first time in eight years.
Former German national coach Bertie Vogts, Ipswich manager George Burley, Hibernian boss Alex McLeish and former Arsenal chief George Graham are understood to be on a shortlist for the job compiled by Rangers' chairman David Murray.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
