SPL Confirm Early League Start.

League Trophy ahead of last day of 2008/09 season when it went to the last day.

Today the SPL confirmed that the season will start on July 23rd. Here's what this start date move will achieve.

SPL Start Date: Easing Fixture Congestion and Boosting UEFA Coefficient

With the SPL announcing 23 July as the start date for season 2011-2012, there will no doubt be questions over how this decision was reached. And, for those SPL clubs who wish to participate in overseas tournaments in July, what the implications are for them. This blog is intended to explain just that.

History
Over the past 13 years of SPL history, the season start date has been set anywhere between 28 July and 15 August. On five occasions the SPL season has started in July, on four occasions in the first week of August and, on four occasions also, the second week of August.

Preference
In most seasons, there is a clear divide between the preferences of SPL clubs.

For those clubs who are fortunate enough to be invited to take part in lucrative friendly matches or tournaments overseas, a later season start date in August is preferable. This allows them to take part in, and earn good money from, those matches, before the SPL season kicks off.

For the other clubs, an early season start date is generally preferred – enabling supporters to bathe in the July sunshine while they support their team. The earlier a season starts, the fewer mid-week fixtures in December, January and February need to be scheduled. And with mid-week games in winter generally suffering from lower attendances than in the summer, an earlier season start date doesn’t just help cash flow; it boosts a club’s overall turnover.

Hence the reason why, at this time of year, the SPL Board has a difficult balancing act to undertake: trying to accommodate the conflicting desires of its 12 member clubs.

Strategic Plan
One of the key aspects of our Strategic Plan for Scottish football is to move towards an earlier season start date – but not to schedule against World Cup or European Championship matches in June and early July. Such a change has a number of sound footballing and commercial reasons to support it:

• The earlier a season starts, the more battle-hardened SPL players are by the time they compete in the early stages of European completion. Last year for example, Hibernian, Celtic and Dundee United all fell at the first hurdle in Europe. The Swiss, by contrast, seem to punch above their weight in the early stages of European competition. They kick off their domestic programme early in July and attribute much of their European success to their early start date at home. The better that SPL teams do in Europe, the higher the Scottish coefficient; and the more Champions League places that Scottish teams are awarded, creating a virtuous circle benefiting all SPL teams.

• There is no doubt that it is simply a much more pleasant experience going to a game in the warm summer sun on a July Saturday than having to brave the snow and ice on a mid-week February evening – a move that can surely only boost attendances at games.

• By kicking off and concluding our season at the same time as the English, we are diluting the appeal of our games to broadcasters. In contrast, by starting our season ahead of the Premier League, at a time when there is a real shortage of football on TV, we allow our broadcast partners to properly showcase SPL football to the whole of the UK and the rest of the World. And this will inevitably drive more interest (and more broadcast income) in the Scottish game.

However, it is also important that we recognise the large sums of money that can be earned by some of our clubs in July tournaments. Celtic, for example, have been invited to participate in the Dublin Super Cup, which takes place over the weekend of 30 and 31 July this summer. The Strategic Plan takes account of this. In future seasons, post-merger with the SFL, it may be possible to reconfigure the League Cup to create the sort of flexibility that would be required. At the moment however, such flexibility cannot be built into the fixturing of league matches.

The solution
As a one-off solution therefore, the SPL Board has decided on a compromise. The season will kick off on 23 July, but clubs will be able to request a postponement of one fixture early next season. This will achieve the early season start desired by the majority – but will also cater for the desire of some clubs to take part in other tournaments.

Fixturing is a notoriously emotive area. Trying to shoe-horn so many games into a fixed period is an extremely difficult task – and one where SPL Secretary Iain Blair is simply unable to please everyone all of the time. There is no ideal solution that suits all clubs. What’s vital is that any decision is fair, balanced and in the overall interests of all clubs. And I am confident that the decision on our start date for next season is precisely that.

It will help teams in European competition and is therefore good for the UEFA coefficient. It will reduce fixture congestion and the number of unpopular winter mid-week games later in the season. It will boost clubs' incomes and increase the value of SPL games to broadcasters. And it's what fans tell us they want.


So it seems the majority of fans and teams are in favour of this early start.Lets see how it goes with teams early appearances in European competitions due to less progression for the last few years.

What do you think? 


*bold writing not my own work. 

Sunday's Results.

I shall be providing a match report for all 6 games of the weekend when I get time tomorrow but here are todays results for now.

Motherwell 2-0 Celtic
Rangers 4-0 St Johnstone

Celtic suffer a surprise defeat against Motherwell and Rangers win to close the gap to 5 points while Rangers still have two games in hand and can go top of the league by winning these.

Match reports to follow!

Saturday's Round-up

Quick round-up guys,I haven't got time to write detailed reports yet but they will come tomorrow so to keep you up to date I shall provide results now and reports after tomorrow's games.

Aberdeen 0-0 Hearts 

Hamilton 1-1 Dundee United 

Hibernian 2-0 Inverness

Kilmarnock 2-0 St Mirren 


 Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Weekend Preview

Another SPL weekend brings us a full card of games.I will have a report on them all shortly after full time today.

Saturday 26th February

Aberdeen v Hearts
Hamilton v Dundee Utd
Hibernian v Inverness CT
Kilmarnock v St Mirren

Sunday 27th February

Rangers v St Johnstone
Motherwell v Celtic

See ya's later guys.

Rangers Through On Away Goals.

Rangers players celebrate as Edu tucks home the winner.

So it was Thursday and the return to the Europa League for Walter Smith's men.

Rangers met Sporting Lisbon in the 2008 Uefa Cup,now rebranded Europa league and they went on to reach the final of the competition where they lost 2-0 to Zenit St Petersburg.

Smith who has often been criticised for his defensive approach in Europe reverted to their European formation of three central defenders, with captain David Weir at its heart after overcoming illness and Richard Foster  started at right-back.

The Gers had to avoid defeat and score 2 goals in order to go through without injury time being necessary and they took to the Portuguese club from the start but were unable to create many clear cut chances in the first 10 minutes as they often struggled to keep hold of possession and often found themselves under heavy pressure.

It however was Rangers who got the first goal on 20 minutes Steven Davis delivered a ball to the back post that found the head of El Hadj Diouf who nodded past Sporting keeper Rui Patricio.

As Rangers took confidence from the goal they looked to push on and score another which would effectively kill the tie as Sporting never looked like scoring but it was indeed the hosts who found the net on 42minutes when David Weir failed to remove the danger from a cross and the ball was picked up by Helder Postiga who nudged it back to ex Rangers midfield Pedro Mendes who curled the ball into the corner past Allan McGregor.

So the teams went in level at the break and Diouf had words with Evaldo who then had to be separated by coaches.

Sporting came out in the second half fired up and looking to score a goal which would force Rangers out to try and save the tie and a freekick nearly crept in the back post but McGregor got up to tip it away from goal and out for a corner and they should have scored as Joao Pereira beat the offside trap but headed over from 8 yards.

As both teams looked for a goal the game begun to open up and when a Davis header was saved by Rui Patricio, Sporting broke clear and McGregor had to block a low Pereira drive clear with his legs.

Rangers boss Smith made a surprise change after 71 minutes, withdrawing captain Weir, with Vladimir Weiss and Kyle Lafferty coming on for the veteran defender and the youngster John Fleck.

Rangers moved towards a more adventurous approach and were caught when their claim for a foul on Sasa Papac was turned down Pereira's cross found Djalo at the back post and he headed powerfully past McGregor from 10 yards.

This goal meant Sporting had gone 2-1 up and Rangers still only needed a goal to progress and as Vladimir Weiss crossed low for Lafferty who was unable to connect.Davis had a pop at goal from his left foot which fizzed just above the bar.

As 4 minutes of additional time were indicated Rangers surged forward and Foster knocked the ball through  for David Healy and the substitute's ball across the face of goal was in a perfect position for one of 4 different Rangers players to tap in and it met the foot of American, Maurice Edu met the ball and gave Rangers the vital goal to go through.

It sparked jubilant scenes on the touchlines from the Rangers bench and in particular soon to be manager Ally McCoist.

Rangers managed to hold on for the draw which puts them through and they face the dutch PSV Eidnhoven in the next round on the 10th and 17th March.

St Mirren Leave It Late To Beat Motherwell.

St Mirren secured their first win of 2011 thanks to substitute Michael Higdon's fortunate late goal.

The Buddies left started well and forced 'well keeper Darren Randolph before Motherwell midfielder Keith Lasley had his claim for a penalty turned down.

 St Mirren could have had a penalty of their own on 13 minutes when McGowan went down under Lasley's rather clumsy attentions.McGowan angrily chased referee Steve Conroy after the ball rolled out of play for a goal kick, but none of his team-mates appeared to share his sense of injustice.

It was the visitors who went in at half time with the better of the first half and they came out eager to break down the hosts defence and could have took the lead when Craig Dargo got up to meet the ball but could only place it in Randolph's gloves.

Dargo could have made amends a few minutes later but once again failed to make the keeper work when he blasted into the side netting.

Ex Arsenal striker Francis Jeffers also had his penalty claim turned down and it looked like the game was going to finish stalemate until Michael Higdon comes on to replace Craig dargo and within minutes he was there to grab the winner.

Motherwell were unlucky not to grab an equaliser late on as the St Mirren defenders done all they could to secure the win.

Three valuable points for The Buddies as they move 5 points clear of the relegation zone although Hamilton have a game in hand.

Motherwell: Randolph, Craigan, Hateley, Hutchinson, Gunning, Humphrey, Jennings, Lasley (Hammell 53), Murphy, Sutton, Jeffers (Casagolda 75).

St Mirren: Gallacher, van Zanten, Potter, McGregor, Travner, McAusland, Murray (McLean 85), Thomson, Goodwin, Dargo (Higdon 80), McGowan.

Referee: Steve Conroy.

John Boyle To Step Down As Motherwell Chairman.

Fir Park,The home of Motherwell FC.

John Boyle is to stand down as Motherwell chairman and give up his shareholding for free as the club moves to a wider form of ownership.

Boyle said in a club statement: "I have decided to stand down as chairman before the start of next season. "
"I will pass on control of the club to current directors, who are working with me now on an ambitious new plan." 


Boyle who made his millions through travel companies has invested £10m in the Scottish Premier League club since becoming owner in 1998.


"Now, we look forward to following the club's progress with new owners, new ideas and, hopefully, new success as it celebrates its 125th anniversary and moves into the future. 

"It is 13 years since I acquired Motherwell FC, my hometown club. 

"There have been famous times and difficult times, but this club has remained a special part of my life as a supporter as well as its owner. 

"During those 13 years, I have supported the many loss-making years and ensured Motherwell's survival in some tricky, parlous times." 

Boyle, who has more that 70% of Motherwell's shares, said he viewed this as "my duty" as he was merely a custodian of a club that "belongs to the community and its fans".

Expect to hear more on this story and how Motherwell will progress without John Boyle in the next few weeks.


Motherwell are also in action tonight against St Mirren at Fir Park,I will bring you a report shortly after full time.

Aberdeen Win Again.

Craig Brown,appointed December 2010.

Craig Brown's Aberdeen revival has lead them to another 3 points by recording a win against relegation candidates Hamilton.

Chris Maguire got the only goal of the game from the penalty spot on the 30th minute mark when SoneAluko was fouled in the box by Hamilton's McAlister. 

Fit-again Accies forward Dougie Imrie missed numerous chances to give his side the lead before Aberdeen scored but it wasnt to be

Aberdeen were unable to make their chances count when  Maguire failed to convert three good chances after the break.

Hamilton had chances of their own but lack a goal scorer and they find themselves 5 points adrift of safety with more  poor finishing throughout the 90 minutes

It was an even game in which Aberdeen capitalised to give them another 9 points leaving them 1 point behind 8th place St Johnstone.


Aberdeen : Langfiel, McNamee, Smith, Jack, Diamond, McArdle, Aluko, Milsom,Vernon, Maguire, Young.


Hamilton: Cerny, Skelton, Canning, McLaughlin, Imrie, McDonald, McAlister, Piaxo, Routledge, Elebert, Antoine-Curier.


Meanwhile 8th place St Johnstone hosted Dundee Utd which finished 0-0,Neither team unable to pick up full points in an overall boring game.


Thats all for now.!

Ally McCoist Officially Named As New Rangers Boss.

Ally,Lifelong Rangers fan celebrates with the SPL trophy in 2009.

We have known it was going to come but today Ally was officially confirmed as Walter Smith's successor when he leaves his post at the end of the season.When Walter agreed to stay another season in June it was agreed then that 'Super Ally' the Rangers legend who scored 355 goals in 581 appearances for the club, would be his successor and become only the 13th manager in Rangers' history would take over in a years time.


6 months on from this current Assistant manager McCoist, 48,who has been groomed as Smith's successor since the pair returned to Ibrox in January 2007 agreed a one year rolling contract in which current coach Kenny Mcdowall will become his assistant.

There has been recent speculation that Ally who once had a job working as a commentator for various companies would be joining Sky Sports to replace fellow Scot Andy Gray but no concrete evidence yet and it looks like this story has now been put to rest. 

Beaming with delight McCoist paid tribute to a man he believes is one of the top managers in world football and perhaps Rangers' best-ever.

"Working under Walter has been an incredible experience and it is a bit like taking the mike from Frank Sinatra - a difficult act to follow," he said. 

"I'm thrilled to bits, it's as exciting a time as I can think of. 

"I was lucky enough to play for the club for 15 years, but this is an absolute dream and a privilege.
"Martin and I had a few discussions - and Walter was heavily involved - and, once I was offered the job, my automatic reaction was to say yes. 

"Rangers have always been my team. I know the club inside out, I know the people, the fans, the players and I know how important this football club is to everyone and hopefully I can bring them success." 

At present it appears Ally will have little funds to strengthen his team in which 2 senior players are out of contract and 4 loan signings will return to their parent club in the summer.In the past few years Lloyds banking group have tightened the strings on Rangers currently owned by Sir David Murray who's holding company owe a large sum of money to Lloyds and has lead to Murray passing on his role as chairman at Ibrox to Alistair Johnston.

 Speculation over a takeover at Rangers has been highly publicised in the last few months when Craig White,A Scottish tycoon declared an interest in buying the Glasgow club,It has since emerged that White may indeed be a Rangers fan.He is also in contact with a man,Andrew Ellis,a property developer who at one time was thought to be on the brink of a takeover but talks stalled when he was unable to provide the funds for the takeover.

Rangers are also at the front of a tax case from HMRC which has been going on for nearly a year and as of yet no decision.

White was quoted in national newspapers upon declaring his interest in buying the club and said that McCoist was the man for the job if he did manage to take over.


So,Is the Rangers takeover imminent or is it dead? There are arguments to back up both sides but only time will tell...

Expect to see more on it here soon.


Congratulations to Ally McCoist also.!

100 Followers!

Just a quick post to say thanks guys.Keep following for more daily news.!


Shall we celebrate with cake?

No Conspiracy Against Celts-Gordon Strachan.

Neil Lennon rages as another decision is judged to have gone against his team.

Gordon Strachan insists there is no conspiracy against Celtic from the SFA.

The Parkhead club have been at war with football’s ruling body in the country for most of this season as they continue to demand reform within the corridors of power at Hampden Park.

Various voices from the Celtic camp have came out and criticised the officials beginning with manager Neil Lennon,Later players including Gary Hooper insisted the refs were against them.This lead to fans joining in on the debate.Weeks of debating lead to a officials strike in Scotland that meant officials from across Europe coming to Scotland to officiate for the weekend.


Ex Celtic boss Gordon Strachan,The last Celtic manager to win the league said  “It’s unfair to question the integrity of the men who have to make decisions and I can say that because I have met them. They are a decent bunch of lads and I got on with them well.”

Celtic however may have grounds to question the officials when referee Dougie McDonald overturned the decision when he awarded Celtic a penalty against Dundee Utd  but after advice he overturned his decision and the play continued.A few weeks later at Hamilton a few decisions were judged to have gone against them which sparked more debate.


In recent weeks claims of a conspiracy against Celtic have gone away,The question is,Do the officials really hold a grudge against Celtic?

Current SPL Table.

SPL table as it stands right now for all you followers!

				Position Team P GD PTS 1 Celtic 26 44 64 2 Rangers 24 30 56 3 Hearts 26 19 54 4 Kilmarnock 26  5 36 5 Motherwell 26 -5 34 6 Inverness CT 26  3 33 7 Dundee Utd 22 -3 29 8 St Johnstone 24 -12 29 9 Aberdeen 25 -15 26 10 Hibernian 26 -17 25 11 St Mirren 25 -21 19 12 Hamilton 24 -28 14

Celtic Hammer Rangers.

Gary Hooper scores for Celtic

As we approached the 3rd league Old Firm game of the season celtic looked to be the favourite between the two teams but as we know all form goes out the window between these two.

Celtic took a significant step towards the Scottish Premier League title with a demolition of their old rivals.

Man of the match Celtic striker grabbed 2 goals as the Rangers defence looked lifeless all afternoon and he delighted the home fans on 17 minutes when he knocked the ball past David Weir before firing through keeper Allan McGregor's legs.

He grabbed his second of the game 11 minutes later when Emilio Izaguirre beat the offside trap and delivered  a delicious cross set up Hooper to fire home from six yards.

The Gers rarely threatened at all in the first half and it was Celtic who went in cruising at half time.

Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty came on at half time for injured Steven Naismith who appears to have been struggling for the past few months with an injury but keeps returning to the side only to need more time out.


As Rangers went in search of a goal that could get them back into the game they failed to hit the target on numerous occasions and it was Celtic who made their chances count when apparent Rangers January transfer target,Kris Commons who Celtic managed to secure for 300k grabbed his third goal for Celtic,Two of which have now been against Rangers.His swerving shot fooled Allan McGregor who was left rooted to the spot.

So it was Celtic who took all 3 points and moved a step closer to securing their first league title in 3 years as they now have an 8 point lead over Rangers but have played 2 more games.

Elsewhere Dickoh's 87th minute goal was enough to secure a 1-0 Hibs win away to fellow struggler's St Mirren.

Old Firm Preview.

We go into today's game evenly poised with both teams winning 1 game in the league this season.Rangers won 3-1 back in October at Parkhead while Rangers and their fans were talking about how many goals they would put past Celtic in January it was Celtic who came out on top with a Samaras double.



Whatever happens today its going to be a feisty game.


See you all later guys!

Saturday's Results

Saturday February 19

Aberdeen     5-0     Kilmarnock
Vernon 14
Aluko 25
Maguire (pen) 59
McArdle 70
Magennis 82

Hearts     2-1     Dundee Utd
Skacel 45+2    Douglas 6
Zaliukas 88

 

Inverness CT     2-0     St Johnstone
Tokely 28
Duncan 62

Motherwell     1-0     Hamilton

Sutton (pen) 36

So it was an exciting day for the fans of aberdeen especially and also hearts who left it late on to finish Dundee utd off.

Weekend Preview

Well we go into another SPL weekend with a full card of fixtures.

Saturday February 19

Aberdeen v Kilmarnock

Hearts v Dundee Utd

Inverness CT v St Johnstone

Motherwell v Hamilton

Sunday February 20 

Celtic v Rangers
 St Mirren v Hibernian

I will post the results after full time tonight.

Good luck to all the teams in action!

Diouf Will Stay Cool

Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra has backed Rangers loan signing El Hadji Diouf to brush off any verbal attacks from home fans at Celtic Park on Sunday.

Diouf infamously spat at Celtic supporters while playing for Liverpool in the 2003 Uefa Cup quarter-final.
He was also the subject of a face-to-face goal celebration from Celtic captain Scott Brown in February.

"You see him in the last game," said defender Bougherra. "He is very professional and did not react." 


 Diouf has been involved in many controversial moments in his career,inculding the spitting incident and more recently the injury of Jamie Mackie in which QPR manager Neil Warnock described Diouf as a 'sewer rat' while QPR defender clint hill issued a warning that the Senegalese international that he 'will get whats coming to him'


But Bougherra expects the Senegal forward to make a positive contribution to a Scottish Premier League match on Sunday that could go a long way to deciding which of the two Glasgow clubs win the title.

"Off the pitch, he is a fantastic guy - he is funny, he is cool, he is a very nice guy. On the pitch, he is different. He wants to win and likes to battle, but you have to respect that."

 Meanwhile Celtic captain Scott Brown later said his booking for celebrating infront of Diouf was 'best of his life'

Rangers Fail To Make Home Advantage Count.

Rangers hopes of reaching the last 16 of the Europa League took a dent last night when Sportings Matias Fernandez nodded home to turn the tie in Sporting's favour.


Rangers started on the back foot as Sporting came to Glasgow looking to end the tie as soon as possible but were unable to find the net when Helder Postiga collected Evaldo Fabiano's cutback and turned well to angle a shot across the face of goal.


As the visitors pressed Rangers looked to be in danger but from no where the Gers could have scored as El Hadji Diouf released Whittaker on the right and the full-back's cross was flicked narrowly wide by the head of Lafferty.


Loan star Vladimir Weiss who was a thorn in the Sporting defence's side caused them all sorts of problems throughout the game put a dangerous cross in for Kyle Lafferty who once again was unable to make the chances count.

Rangers came out in the second half attacking and could have scored from kick off as they forced a save from the Sporting keeper and they continued to press until they got their reward.A Vladimir Weiss swinging corner was met by the head of Steven Whittaker who started the game in a more attacking role of right midfield.

As Weiss picked up the ball in his own half,darted past various Sporting players without challenge.It was up to Daniel Carrico to pull the winger back and kill the danger, He was booked and will now be suspended for the second leg.

Rangers pushed for a second goal but it never came and on 89 minutes Sporting broke, the Rangers defence caught napping and Joao Pereira crossed for subsitute Fernandez to head past McGregor.


Kyle Lafferty had a few more chances but was dissapointing as the Sporting keeper made easy saves.

Full Time 1-1.

Next Leg- Thursday 24th February, Lisbon

RANGERS : McGregor; Foster, Weir, Bougherra, Papac; Whittaker, Davis, Edu, Weiss; Diouf; Lafferty

SPORTING : Patricio; Pereira, Carrico, Polga, Evaldo; Maniche, Mendes, Cristiano, Zapater, Djalo: Postiga

REF: Manuel Graefe (GER)

REF: Manuel Graefe (GER)

Weekend Review.

Sorry for the late post of this weekends results.!

Saturday February 12

Hamilton     0-2     Hearts

                             Elliott (22, 47)

 

 

Hibernian      2-1     Kilmarnock

A Sodje (52)          Hamill (pen 74)

Palsson (pen 70)

Rangers      6-0      Motherwell

Naismith (5)
Jelavic (34, 37, 79)
Hutchinson (og 76)
Healy (83)

St Mirren     3-3     Inverness CT

Higdon (pen 28)      Rooney (6, 61)

Thomson (29)         Doran (33)
McGregor (74)  

St Johnstone P-P Aberdeen

Sunday 12th February

Dundee Utd     1-3     Celtic

Goodwillie (64)           Stokes (16) 

                                 Wilson (36)

                                 Majstorovic (78)

Theres also a few games during the week with Aberdeen hosting Motherwell on Tuesday night.

Dundee Utd v Hamilton- Wednesday 16th February 

Rangers are at home to Sporting Lisbon on Thursday night in the Europa League competition as Scotland's only representatives.

Colin Calderwood Not Interested In Moving South

Hibernian manager Colin Calderwood says he will not be joining West Bromwich Albion even if Chris Hughton becomes manager of the Baggies.Calderwood was Hughton's assistant at Newcastle before joining Hibs.

With Chris Hughton being heavily linked taking over the managerial vacancy at the Hawthorns, attentions have turned onto the possibility of Calderwood being reunited with the former Newcastle United boss.


 Calderwood has made a poor start to life at Easter Road since walking away from his role with Hughton at St James’ Park in October, winning just three of his 18 matches in charge to date.

“I want to stay,” Calderwood said. “It's not a question - I don't even see it as a question at the minute.

Calderwood has already found himself under pressure following his team’s run of poor form and then suffered a shock exit from the Scottish Cup at the hands of Second Division side Ayr United.

Scotland Cruise Past Northern Ireland

Scotlands opening game of the Carling Nations Cup brought them up against Northern Ireland in Dublin.

Scott Brown was set to play but manager Craig Levein was forced to make a change when Brown got injured in the warm-up which handed James McArthur a start.
Kenny Miller who was captain for the night bundled  in the opener after 19 minutes while James McArthur doubled the lead when his swinging cross found the top corner.

Scotland battered the Northen Ireland goal and were twice denied by the woodwork but Steven Naismith's pass for Kris Commons enabled him to finish and make it 3-0.

The Scots were never happy with a 3-0 lead but were unable to make anymore chances count thanks to Jonathan Tuffey in the Northern Ireland goal.

With the game wrapped up some of Scotlands up and coming starts saw action with Barry Bannan,Chris Maguire and Danny Wilson all making appearances at some stage during the game.


Scotland: McGregor, Hutton, Steven Caldwell, Berra, Bardsley (Mark Wilson 57), Morrison (Maguire 79), Adam (Bannan57 ), Commons (Conway72 ), McArthur, Naismith (Snodgrass 58), Miller (Danny Wilson90).
Subs Not Used: Bell, Hanley, Gary Caldwell.




Northern Ireland: Tuffey, McArdle (Hodson 46), Baird, McAuley, Craigan (Thompson 66), McCourt, Evans, Davis (Norwood 58), McCann (Healy 46), McGinn (Boyce 72), Patterson.
Subs Not Used: Blayney.

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