Celtic

Celtic travel to Dingwall this afternoon as they face Ross County. The Scottish Champions return to domestic duty following the international break and ...

The SFA have confirmed the matchday officials with veteran whistleblower Collum as the man in the middle. Callum McGregor played 180 minutes for Scotland but he will play the deep lying role in the centre of the midfield. The winger is joined by Tony Ralston and Liel Abada in the treatment room.

Usual starters Reo Hatate and Aaron Mooy are both missing from the squad but Daizen Maeda returns after suffering an injury scare on international duty. Joe ...

At the bottom of the table, County will be looking to increase their four point lead over 12th placed Dundee United and cut the gap to tenth placed Kilmarnock. Rangers cut the gap at the top of the table to six points with their 2-0 win over Dundee United at Ibrox on Saturday. Top scorer Kyogo Furuhashi leads the line with Jota and Maeda at either side of him.

FORMER Celtic star Scott Sinclair is clearly still in great shape judging by his-muscle popping gym snap.The Hoops fan favourite's physique is not bad.

[Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/football/) [In his Instagram post](https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqh3DIqIVAf/?hl=en), the former Chelsea forward showed-off his six pack, the Bristol Rovers man declared he was “Back in the lab..!!!” [Bristol Rovers](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/team/252317/bristol-rovers/) in October 2022 on an initial [short-term deal until January](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/9624916/celtic-scott-sinclair-bristol-rovers-rangers-joey-barton/). [English Premier League](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/english-premier-league/) frontman Victor Anichebe, who played with Sinclair at [West Bromwich Albion](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/team/178541/west-brom/), cheekily replied: “You’re just trying to outdo me 😂💪🏾”. [Preston North End](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/team/259004/preston-north-end/), Sinclair is seeing out the twilight years of his career back where it all started for him at the Memorial Stadium. [Hoops ](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/team/14914/celtic/)fan favourite's physique is not bad for a 34-year-old.

The champions are in the Highland and know a win over the Staggies will restore their nine-point advantage at the top of the table.

Ross County 0-1 Celtic. Still Ross County 0-1 Celtic. After Eamonn Brophy robs Carl Starfelt at one end, Celtic retrieve the ball and break down the right, with Alistair Johnston riding an strong challenge from Iacovitti to then find Jota who fires over from a promising position. Celtic win a free kick 25 yards from goal, but Jota's effort isn't troubling Ross Laidlaw. His arm is definitely outstretched as he challenges for the header and you can see why it was given. When comparing it to a similar incident involving Andrew Considine before the international break, Boyd said: Thankfully the youngster is back to his feet quickly and play continues. It seems a bit of an overreaction by the officials as it the manager was calm in his approach. The Korean striker then rolls young Dylan Smith before racing towards the box and firing just wide. Celtic's subs have certainly added a freshness and a big threat to since coming on, but they've been unable to add the second goal to kill this game off. The players are celebrating in front of their jubilant travelling support, but were not without their issues today. The J-League Player of the Year is primed to start with Reo Hatate and Aaron Mooy toiling.

Two Sky Sports pundits believe the right decision was made in awarding Celtic a penalty via VAR during the cinch Premiership match away at Ross County on ...

"I’m just bemused, there’s inconsistencies,” said the former There might be an argument about whether it’s a natural or an unnatural position. “It is an unnatural position.

CELTIC travel to Dingwall this afternoon to face Ross County as Ange Postecoglou looks to close in on his second Scottish Premiership title.The Hoops.

- Ross County vs Celtic is live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event. - The referee for the match is Willie Collum whilst Steven Kirkland is on VAR duty. - Sky customers can stream the game live on Sky Go.

Live coverage followed by match report of Sunday's Scottish Premiership game between Ross County and Celtic.

Josh Sims (Ross County) header from the left side of the six yard box is just a bit too high. Attempt blocked. Alexandro Bernabei (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box to the top left corner. - Away9 - Home2 - Shots - 6Iacovitti - 30Smith - 2Randall - 1Laidlaw "They make it awfully hard to play in any kind of space. I'm so proud of the players and, if we play like that in the last eight games, we'll give anyone a game and get points on the board."

CELTIC star Benjamin Siegrist has been reunited with his Australian girlfriend after a 'long few months apart.' Reality TV star Brittany Hockley has made ...

Him and Kyogo were the first two players I tried to bring across. [Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/football/) She went public with the goalkeeper back in February after a couple of months of dating. After a whirlwind romance, the couple enjoyed a trip to Paris with Brittany also making her first trip to Celtic Park, but they have had to do things long distance since. Taking to Instagram, she posted a video of the moment they reunited, with Brittany giving Siegrist a fright as he made his way out of his front door. [Siegrist met Brittany on a celebrity dating app](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/10153152/celtic-benji-siegrist-celebrity-wag-brittany-hockley-australia/) when [Celtic](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/team/14914/celtic/) were on their tour down under during the [World Cup](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/topic/world-cup/) break.

Alexandro Bernabei scored a stunning goal to make it 2-0 and seal the three points for Celtic. The fullback, who replaced Greg Taylor, found himself on the ...

Alexandro Bernabei scored a stunning goal to make it 2-0 and seal the three points for Celtic. Alexandro Bernabei scores to secure the three points for Celtic against Ross Country with an incredible strike! Celtic had been pressing and had passed up a number of chances but got the second goal that they were certainly good value for.

Celtic moved nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership after securing a hard-fought 2-0 win against Ross County at Victoria Park on Sunday.

[Celtic](/sport/teampages/celtic.html) moved nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership after securing a hard-fought 2-0 win against Ross County at Victoria Park on Sunday. - The result sees Ange Postecoglou's Hoops go nine clear at the top of the table Ross County 0-2 Celtic: Jota on the spot and Bernabei nets late on as Ange Postecoglou's side go nine points clear of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership

Celtic have been handed a major problem before facing the Rangers at Parkhead in a vital match in the Premiership title race.

Taylor has established himself as one of the most important and consistent players for Celtic under the management of Postecoglou. It was certainly not the best showing from Celtic against Ross County, but they were good enough to get the job done. It also means that when they face the Rangers in their next match, at Parkhead, Ange Postecoglou’s side will have the opportunity to end the title race for all intents and purposes.

Ross County remain second bottom of the Scottish Premiership with eight games to go following their 2-0 home defeat against red-hot title favourites and ...

Willie Collum’s moment in the spotlight came with that VAR check for the penalty. The headline team-news for County was a first start for 16-year-old defender Dylan Smith, who has just been part of Scotland’s qualifiers for next summer’s Under-17 Euros in Hungary. County were keeping the positions well and getting challenges in when it mattered. There was a sense of pride in this performance from County at full-time and they have to take that into their remaining games with plenty at stake. Celtic were upping the ante in their bid to kill the contest, with a couple of balls in and around the six-yard box going abegging and substitute Oh smashing a low effort wide of the left post. The turning point of the penalty after a satisfactory first 44 minutes was a bitter one for County. It was Iacovitti to the rescue on 55 minutes as he slid to to clear a net-bound Jota shot off the goal-line as it seemed as if he might just bury it from a tight angle. That was a cruel way for County to head inside at half-time, given what they had put into the contest in the first 45 minutes. A cross into the box was adjudged to have come off Alex Iacovtti’s arm and, from the spot-kick, Jota buried the ball into the net with conviction. [was turned into a 2-1 Celtic win.](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/ross-county/5520589/livingston-2-1-ross-county-the-verdict-player-ratings-talking-points-and-star-man-as-staggies-fail-to-recover-from-quickfire-first-half-double-blow/) [After the drama of Scotland’s remarkable Euro 2024 qualifying win against Spain on Tuesday](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/scottish/5555974/scotland-fan-view-scott-mctominay-hampden-folklore/), it was back to the tension at the bottom and top ends of the table for these respective teams. It was patient, composed play from Celtic and County were waiting for the moment, pinching possession when they could and made attacks without asking major questions as the first half ticked along. Jota’s penalty put the defending champions in front on the stroke of half-time, which was a result of a VAR check, then Alexandro Bernabei capped off the visitors’ win in the final moments.

Celtic maintained their nine-point advantage over Rangers at the top of the cinch Premiership after defeating Ross County 2-0 in Dingwall.

The left-back went close again in the last minute of the first half when his shot from 12 yards out was superbly saved by Ross Laidlaw. The half-time whistle sounded immediately afterwards and several County players surrounded Collum to protest the decision before making their way up the tunnel. The Hoops went desperately close in the 42nd minute when Greg Taylor cut in from the left and unleashed a sumptuous shot from the angle of the box that came off the far post.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou says he always knew it as going to be "a challenging game" away to Ross County. "They make it awfully hard to play in any ...

The Scottish Premiership leaders next host second-top Rangers and Postecoglou added: "It's a good challenge for us. Maybe we were a bit wasteful, but overall a great mentality from the lads to get the job done." "They make it awfully hard to play in any kind of space," he told BBC Scotland.

Staggies boss Malky Mackay was left vexed but the incident passed the Australian by.

Getting the goal was good but I just thought we were a bit wasteful in the final third. Staggies boss Malky Mackay was left vexed after Willie Collum was asked to consult VAR over a handball shout involving Alex Iacovitti in battle with Cameron Carter-Vickers. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "To be honest I was in the dressing room when they said it was a penalty.

Match report as Celtic win 2-0 at relegation-threatened Ross County; goals at the end of each half from Jota, after a controversial Video Assistant ...

"Some referees in the VAR truck will give it and some won't. You can't have you arms up when you're jumping to head the ball." "It's the inconsistency from the whole thing is why people are still speaking about it for the wrong reasons. "I think they made it difficult for us. "We knew that every time we come here it is a tough match to play. "It's then edgier than it should be, but overall the lads handled it OK. "He was the one who looked most sure-footed in terms of the pitch and the handling of the ball. He really helped us considering it was his first 90 minutes after three months." "The goal definitely gave us some rest and then we had to go in at half-time to rethink what we did and go to the second half to be better. I thought, 'surely not'. "I spoke to him at half-time and he said it was the laws of the game and he has to give a penalty." "Someone is going to have to explain to me how you jump for a ball in the box and have your arms at your side.

Celtic's new signing Tomoki Iwata is unveiled on the pitch at half time during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Saturday ...

Mark O’Hara scored two penalties either side of a Tony Watt goal in a 3-0 win which lifted them from seventh place up to fifth, one point ahead of Hibernian and two ahead of Livi. Malik Tillman joined the Light Blues last summer on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich with Rangers having the option of making the move permanent. [Ange Postecoglou](/topic/ange-postecoglou) said he was “the one who looked most sure-footed in terms of the pitch and the handling of the ball”.

Alexandro Bernabei scored his first Celtic goal as the Scottish champions took another step towards retaining their title with a 2-0 win at Ross County on ...

They’ve shown from last year, apart from the football, there’s a real character about this group and I think that gets us through in days like today.” Jota had an effort cleared off the line and also hit the bar before Bernabei finally doubled the Hoops’ lead when he fired into the top corner from outside the box. Jota’s penalty in first half stoppage time broke the deadlock before Bernabei blasted into the top corner in the 95th minute.

Celtic got themselves an important away win against Ross County, thanks to goals from Jota and Alexandro Bernabei. The victory makes sure that they maintain ...

With his first start in the bag now, Iwata has already shown that he can be trusted in the middle of the park. After all, this was his first start for the Hoops and he has been limited to appearances off the bench till now. “He was the one who looked most sure-footed in terms of the pitch and the handling of the ball. And till now, we have not see a whole lot of him on the pitch. I was really pleased I got him out and he showed his qualities out there.” The victory makes sure that they maintain their nine point lead over the Rangers, with just eight more league games left to be played in this campaign.

The midfielder made his first start for the Hoops in the win over Ross County at Dingwall.

“With the conditions the way they were it isn’t going to be a free flowing game of football. Given the fact he was without the likes of Hatate, Mooy, Liel Abada and Anthony Ralston due to injury and there were other stars back into the business having been away with their international teams, it was a highly satisfactory outing for the boss. We were wasteful in front of goal and that keeps them in the game. We know he has it in his locker because we see it in training. He was the one who looked most sure-footed in terms of the pitch and the handling of the ball. The [Celtic](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/all-about/celtic-fc) boss said: “It was a good challenge. We will see the best of them after they’ve had a pre-season, but after looking at it, he looked really strong.” Last year we found with Daizen [Meada] and Reo, who we threw in quite early, they started strongly but fatigued towards the end of the season. Postecoglou looked delighted as he made his way to the away support at full-time with another key success ticked off. So my inkling if it worked out was to get those three boys embedded slowly and give them opportunities along the way. I was really pleased I got him out and he showed his qualities out there.” Postecoglou was thrilled with Iwata and said: “He was great.

Celtic's 2-0 win over Ross County in Dingwall caused consternation in certain quarters over the rules regarding handball penalty calls. Again.

The Celtic captain has become so adept in the anchor role for his club that there is no-one better to be deployed in it. For in the 3-3 draw between Brighton and Brentford, Scotland international Aaron Hickey was penalised – through the VAR route – for a handball in the area that allowed Brighton to scrape a point after he slid in with his arm slightly from his side, as befitting his lunge, and had the ball battered off it from point-blank range. Tomoki Iwata produced an authoritative first start for Celtic in the Highland. In another English context, Gareth Southgate’s men won a penalty against Italy last week that followed a VAR alert when Giovanni di Lorenzo, looking to get touch tight on Harry Kane, had his arm pushing at the striker and the ball looped on to it. However, Mackay was wide of the mark in presenting the penalty award that ensued from this incident as a peculiarly Scottish phenomenon. Meanwhile, in the champions’ encounter that led into the international break, they were a goal down at home to Hibs when Paul Hanlon was adjudged to have pulled Cameron Carter-Vickers in the box after 52 minutes, which allowed Jota to equalise from the spot.

Late goals in both halves cost the Staggies against Celtic – here are four takeaways from the game plus reaction from Malky Mackay and Josh Sims.

"We put our last sub on with real injury with 10 or 15 minutes to go, and then he has to come off. That's not going to happen, but just how much of an issue will that prove to be? Josh Sims' thoughts: "We've taken them all the way to the wire again. We won the ball back high in their half, and we created a lot of chances from that, so it's gutting but that's football. "They scored two goals right at the end of both halves. Yes, Celtic dominated possession, but neither goalkeeper really had that much to do until Jota's breakthrough from the penalty spot. Maybe that was the way they thought best to target the Staggies' defence. Whatever the motive behind it, Celtic looked dangerous as a result – to a point at least. From County's point of view, I wonder if that was something they had prepared for. At least, until they can't. "He has trained with me for the first half of the season, and he was in there against Celtic because he deserved to be in there. "To go out and play against the best forwards in Scotland keeps his feet on the ground, and we'll keep his progress steady and slow, but he's a hell of a player."

Stuart Dougal has told bosses like Malk Mackay to get used to it after he raged at spot kick award in Dingwall.

“I’m sorry to say that when I watched it in real time, I thought: ‘Ooh, theres something worth looking at there again.’ Maybe that’s my referee eye, but it didn’t surprise me that the referee was asked to go and have a look at that again. “The way I tend to look at it is, if it happened up in the other penalty area, Malky Mackay would be looking for a penalty, I’m absolutely certain about that. We can understand that, but I’ll say it again, the mindset has to change. Alexandro Bernabei netted his first Hoops goal five minutes into added time at the end of the second half to maintain his side’s nine point lead at the top of the Premiership table. It’s very difficult for the match referee there. [The Vardict](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/65155401) if there was any argument against giving a pen, Dougal said: “Not in my eyes and you have to look at angles.

The champions are closing in on an 11th title in 12 seasons and Saturday's clash is about much more than three points.

It was a similar story last season as they travelled to Ibrox and doubled their lead over Rangers to six points en route to title glory in Postecoglou's first season. And that has proved correct with multiple moments for Hoops punters to enjoy against Rangers coming at the business end of the season. Rangers have been responsible for two of those, with Beale a key lieutenant for Steven Gerrard, but Postecoglou's side hasn't tasted defeat at home and have only failed to win one since Hallowe'en 2021. But the Ibrox side know a draw is no use and that's not an optimal spot to be in when they are facing a side who have lost only four, yes FOUR, home league games in the past seven-and-a-half years. It's often been Sunday service in this fixture but when the game takes place on the first day of the weekend it has been favourable for those of a green and white persuasion. A win will see them 12 points clear with only 21 to play for and their superior goal difference means even the most ardent Ibrox believer will be waving the white flag.

The Light Blues will make the short journey across the city on Saturday lunchtime as the Glasgow giants meet at Parkhead.

"Look at the cup final, the first goal came down that side where Tillman was playing. "Will it be a 4-0? "Rangers are a different beast from the last game at Celtic Park. The one criticism of Michael Beale's team, especially when he first took over, is that they were getting results, but the intensity wasn't there. When you look at the players they've got, I don't think the likes of [Todd] Cantwell or [Malik] Tillman are intense players. The one major blip on Beale's managerial record at Rangers so far was the League Cup final loss to Celtic.

Celtic are well on their way to another successful season. They already have the League Cup in the bag, are leading the league title race by nine points ...

Jota just brings something to the table that other players in the squad don’t. And Ange Postecoglou seems to be believe that there is more to come from him. Despite that, Jota has been putting up the big numbers and making his presence felt for the Hoops.

Celtic and Rangers meet for the fourth time this season on Saturday when the Premiership league leaders host their city rivals.

[having confirmed they had returned to training ahead of the Ross County game](https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/confirmed-celtic-without-trio-for-ross-county-and-rangers-clashes-and-two-further-dingwall-doubts-4088000). His injury as well as Aaron Mooy’s absence saw Callum McGregor play higher up the park and Tomoki Iwata come into the team at the base of midfield, [earning praise from his manager](https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/ange-postecoglou-purrs-over-one-celtic-standout-and-says-his-inkling-is-paying-off-4089297). [Rangers](/topic/rangers) saw off bottom-of-the-league [Dundee United](/topic/dundee-united) at Ibrox on Saturday while [Celtic](/topic/celtic) overcame second-bottom Ross County in Dingwall on Sunday.

ADAM DEVINE is out of Saturday's Old Firm showdown after being sent off in the B team derby.The Scotland Under-21 defender was one of THREE Gers sta.

[Gers](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/team/14923/rangers/). [Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/football/) [St Mirren](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/team/14947/st-mirren/) a week on Saturday. [ Rangers and Celtic fans faced being locked out](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/10461137/rangers-celtic-fans-locked-out-warning-pyro-security-chief/) in future over pyro rules, a security expert has said. [Celtic](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/team/14914/celtic/) skipper Matthew Anderson in the 3-1 defeat. [THREE Gers starlets to see red](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/10459305/rangers-celtic-derby-b-team-old-firm/) in Sunday’s second string clash at Ibrox.

The pundit has continued to be left bemused by the decision punish Ross County defender Alex Iacovitti.

I think it's just the latest in a long line of ridiculous penalties." I mean the yellow to Walker had an idea of what he saying to the fourth official: "What do you mean we're getting beat 1-0? He told The Go Radio Football Show: "No one would have batted an eye had there not been a penalty given. [Cameron Carter-Vickers](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/all-about/cameron-carter-vickers) for the ball in an aerial duel. It's a ridiculous decision to give it."

Kris Commons expects nothing less than a Celtic victory in this weekend's Old Firm derby.

Celtic have swept all before them and done it with such a swashbuckling sense of style that they've been a joy to watch. "Postecoglou has been absolutely ruthless with his messaging and how he wants this team to continually strive for improvement. Writing in his Daily Mail column, Commons said: "I expect Postecoglou's side to deliver this kind of statement victory this weekend and really stamp their authority over what has been an outstanding season thus far.

Celtic and Rangers meet for the fourth time this season on Saturday when the Premiership league leaders host their city rivals.

[having confirmed they had returned to training ahead of the Ross County game](https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/confirmed-celtic-without-trio-for-ross-county-and-rangers-clashes-and-two-further-dingwall-doubts-4088000). His injury as well as Aaron Mooy’s absence saw Callum McGregor play higher up the park and Tomoki Iwata come into the team at the base of midfield, [earning praise from his manager](https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/ange-postecoglou-purrs-over-one-celtic-standout-and-says-his-inkling-is-paying-off-4089297). [Rangers](/topic/rangers) saw off bottom-of-the-league [Dundee United](/topic/dundee-united) at Ibrox on Saturday while [Celtic](/topic/celtic) overcame second-bottom Ross County in Dingwall on Sunday.