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In what turned out to be a nightmare Old Firm clash with potential season-defining ramifications, Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst will no doubt be scratching his head as to where it all went wrong for the Ibrox side.

The Gers looked completely outfoxed in the opening period against Celtic on Wednesday night, with the hosts’ pace and intensity seeming to catch the Gers by surprise: none more so perhaps than Borna Barisic.

The Croatian left-back has been well below his standards this season, with no goals and just three assists to his name in 26 appearances across all competitions – to put that into context, last year he had five goals and a whopping 14 assists.

Against the Hoops yesterday, Barisic just looked all at sea at having to deal with the constant movement of Liel Abada, and if one moment were to sum up his entire display then his reaction to the third goal told the whole story.

After Reo Hatate managed to swing in a cross from the by-line, Abada came storming in past Barisic to steer the ball home, with the Croatian left to slump to his haunches with his head in his hands – it was no surprise that Van Bronckhorst hauled him off at half-time.

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for The Daily Record, Andrew Newport gave him a measly three, saying: “Endured a 45-minute nightmare before van Bronckhorst showed mercy and took him off at the break. Will be seeing Abada running past him in his sleep for weeks.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Kenny Miller for BBC Sport’s live coverage of the game, who slammed: “Let me tell you: Borna Barisic has had such a bad half. On the ball, he’s sloppy. He’s got absolutely no idea where Liel Abada is. He’s got to be aware. That is absolutely schoolboy defending.”

Dubbed as being “punch-drunk” by BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer, Tom English, Barisic endured an absolute disaster at Celtic Park, and it’s left Van Bronckhorst in a very tough situation with the Gers’ momentum very much down the drain.

Given the full-back’s disastrous run of form over the course of this campaign, it’s high time the Gers manager finally makes the decision to drop him from his starting line-up and perhaps move Calvin Bassey into that role for the time being.

Taking him out of the firing line may just be the kind of breather and kick up the back-side that Barisic needs right now.

Meanwhile, this Rangers star let Gio down vs Celtic…

Enner Valencia could be a shrewd signing for Wolves due to his experience over younger squad members, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Wolves linked with Valencia

Wanderers were linked with a surprise move for Valencia earlier this month, as Bruno Lage looks for potential January reinforcements.

Considering Valencia is now 32 and didn’t set the world alight in the Premier League at West Ham and Everton, it wasn’t a rumour to get overly excited about.

The 67-time capped Ecuador international has only scored 11 times in 75 appearances in England’s top flight.

The Latest: Journalist talks up move

Despite this, Hatfield told Give Me Sport that he believes Valencia could be a good signing for Wolves, providing experience in the squad:

“He’s much more likely to hit the ground running than either a really young player like Silva or someone who’s come in from abroad and has not seen the league before like Willian Jose.”

The Verdict: Short-term fix

Valencia is unlikely to be someone who comes in as a regular starter, given his limitations and age, but he could help fill the void left by the possible exit of Adama Traore.

He does have knowledge of the Premier League, too, which could be an advantage, and 34 goals for his country is not to be sniffed at, in terms of offering quality from the substitutes’ bench or starting the odd game.

That being said, if Valencia was to be the only January addition, it would be disappointing, with more quality needed if Traore is to move on.

In other news, one Wolves player has been linked with a move abroad. Find out who it is here.

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic may have picked up all three points at Parkhead on Thursday evening but it didn’t come without a hefty blow for the Hoops.

As appears to be tradition this term, the Bhoys receive a plethora of injury blows which really dampens the mood inside Paradise.

Christopher Jullien has already been missing all year while the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Tom Rogic, Carl Starfelt and Greg Taylor to name a few have all had spells on the treatment table.

Taylor has been a big miss with Josip Juranovic forced to play out of position but he may now gain a chance to play in his favoured role at right-back this weekend against Dundee United.

That’s because Anthony Ralston was one of three injury victims in the 1-0 win over Hearts on Thursday evening.

Opportunity knocks

Not only does a fantastic chance now present itself for Juranovic to slot in on the right, but it also opens up an avenue of selection at left-back.

With Ralston and Taylor out, Postecoglou could pick either Boli Bolingoli or Adam Montgomery in that position. However, he’d do well to also consider a lesser-spotted Liam Scales.

The Irishman has played just 44 minutes of first-team football since arriving from Shamrock Rovers in the summer, struggling to make an impression on the manager.

Capable of playing in a number of positions, however, he should prove to be a useful asset for the manager going forward.

Despite being the tender age of 23, he can play on the wing, in the middle of defence or at full-back. It’s in that final role where he tends to star, specifically on the left-hand side where he uses his long 6 foot 2 levers and rampant offensive skills to get forward with devastating effect.

Speaking about him in the past, Collie O’Neill, his former manager at UCD, once remarked: “Liam likes to get forward. It’s not often you have guys on the wing who are tall and attacking, but when he gets going into his stride, he’s quick and strong. He can just whip past people.”

That eye-catching review should do enough to whet the appetite of Celtic fans who may be a little downbeat after reading of Ralston’s new injury problem.

Watching Scales come into the team, though, would be a treat, especially as they are yet to see a great deal of their summer signing in action.

That said, when you consider his outstanding offensive and physical traits, he’s surely everything Postecoglou is looking for at such short notice. Montgomery is still incredibly young while Bolingoli has proven himself to be a liability on frequent occasions.

Thus, it must be Scales’ time to show the Celtic Park faithful what he can do.

AND in other news, Huge boost: Alan Nixon delivers promising Celtic update that will leave fans buzzing…

Should a Manchester United fan rock up at the Borussia Dortmund training ground and sing Mariah Carey’s hit festive track, ‘All I want for Christmas is You’, there’s only man they’d be singing it in the direction of; Erling Haaland.

The Norwegian’s exit from Dortmund has been teased for several months now and with Ralf Rangnick at the helm, a figure he knows well from his days at Red Bull Salzburg, United’s dreams of signing him could become a reality.

Indeed, it’s thought that the club’s interim boss has even had conversations with Haaland’s father about a potential transfer to Old Trafford in 2022.

The Red Devils may have Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, but perhaps the finest present this winter could be Dortmund’s star striker.

He is a colossal figure in the game and is so perfect at every aspect of the game that he feels like he was made in a laboratory.

Haaland has remarkable pace and upper body strength, can head the ball and leap like a salmon, while his finishing ability is simply devastating.

It’s no surprise, therefore, that he was dubbed a “goal-scoring cyborg” by reporter Alex Truica.

Further acclaim has come from one of United’s nemesis down the years in Thierry Henry who described the 21-year-old as “lethal.”

That’s an easy word to label the £135m-rated forward who has found the net with ridiculous regularity in recent years.

Since signing for the Bundesliga club, he has scored 76 times in just 75 outings, with 19 of those strikes coming this term.

On that evidence, staking a case for him improving the United side is an easy one to make.

Nurtured at Salzburg, he already knows the pressing philosophy and thus, he could be absolutely perfect for Rangnick this January as he aims to put his stamp on the Manchester club’s playing style.

For instance, Haaland has recorded 35 successful pressures of the ball in 2021/22, a tally that betters every attacking player at Old Trafford. In terms of forwards in their squad, Mason Greenwood (31) and Jadon Sancho (30) are the best.

With that in mind, not only would the Norway international bring a bigger goal threat to the northwest but he’d also help Rangnick implement his gegenpress.

Therefore, signing him this winter would be the perfect late Christmas present for United supporters around the globe.

AND in other news, Rangnick must seal Man Utd swoop for £81m-rated “weapon” with the “essence of Cruyff”…

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s hopes of keeping Danny Ings at Southampton this summer look to have suffered a huge blow, with Manchester City reportedly interested in signing him ahead of next season.

According to Sky Sports, City have identified the 28-year-old as a more attainable replacement for Sergio Aguero than Erling Haaland should the Argentinian leave this summer when his contract expires.

City would be in a strong position to sign Ings, too, given his precarious contract situation at Southampton, with his current deal set to expire at the end of next season.

The former Liverpool man has publicly revealed his desire to play for a club in the Champions League and City would certainly be able to provide that, with Pep Guardiola’s side well on their way towards winning the Premier League title this season.

You would not blame the £19.8m-rated forward for wanting to join a club such as City and play under Guardiola but it would undoubtedly be a huge blow for Hasenhuttl and Southampton, considering Ings’ impressive record on the south coast.

The striker has contributed 42 goals and nine assists in 92 appearances for the Saints, which included 22 goals in the top-flight last season, which saw him finish as the joint-second top scorer in the Premier League.

His performances earned him a call-up to the England squad and, although he has struggled with minor injury problems this season, he still has eight goals and three assists in the top flight.

Given Southampton’s struggles this season, which have seen them dragged into a relegation battle despite a promising start to the campaign, some may worry that without Ings they would struggle to score anywhere near as many goals.

Although Che Adams has found form again recently, he endured a difficult run earlier in the season and it would be tough on him to step up as Southampton’s main goalscorer should Ings depart.

Last season, former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe was full of praise for Ings’ performances in the Premier League, saying: “The most impressive thing about Danny is, of course, he’s an outstanding player.

“Technically he’s very good, plays with real intelligence and the way he’s come back from his disappointments, the injury setbacks he’s had, the way he’s fought back and kept his mental strength has been hugely impressive.”

Although Southampton are clearly desperate for Ings to sign a new deal, it seems clear that he wants to join a Champions League outfit, and this reported interest from Man City could prove to be the catalyst for him leaving the south coast this summer.

And, in other news… Southampton signing £7.2m-rated beast could be bad news for £55k-p/w Saints regular

Some Glasgow Rangers fans have been reacting to a video of a goal scored by Martyn Waghorn as part of their Goal of the Day series on Twitter.

Waghorn played for the Gers during one of their more challenging times when they were out of the Premiership. However, he proved instrumental in getting them back to the elite, scoring 20 goals in 25 Championship games during the 2015/16 season as the Gers earned promotion back to the top flight (Transfermarkt). He was unable to reproduce that form in the top flight – he managed just seven strikes in 32 Premiership matches – but he played his part all the same.

On Monday, the Gers shared a video of him scoring against Raith Rovers. He netted from the penalty spot after Nathan Oduwa was fouled following an amazing run.

The clip was shared on the club’s official Twitter page, and many fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts. Some were unhappy that a video of a goal in the second tier had been posted, while some took the opportunity to praise Oduwa.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the goal from Waghorn below

“Forgot about this. Nathan Oduwa channeling his inner Ronaldinho what strange player”

Credit: @finlayxpeterson

“Nathan Oduwa walked so Aribo could run”

Credit: @BenFinlay10

“Can yous gee it a bye with the Morning PTSD please. I don’t like it.”

Credit: @KieranG241220

“Still blows my mind sometimes when you think Tav played in this team”

Credit: @Jamie_1886

“Delete this before anyone sees”

Credit: @BenYetton_

“Waghorn. Raith Rovers. Please Mr Rangers. No.”

Credit: @chris_daniels9

In other news, many Rangers fans rage at this club release.

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Sean Walsh has now shared a major midweek update on Antonio Conte’s future at the Premier League club, and it’s exactly what supporters need to hear.

The Lowdown: Conte eyeing PSG?

The Italian, who reportedly has a clause in his current Spurs deal which would allow him to leave at the end of this season, has been at the centre of claims linking him with a move to Ligue 1 giants Paris-Saint Germain.

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Former Lilywhites manager Mauricio Pochettino is allegedly set to depart the French capital despite their Ligue 1 title win, prompting rumours of a possible Conte move to succeed the Argentine.

Le Parisien claimed last week that the 52-year-old is seriously interested in a PSG switch, even apparently telling their club chiefs that he is considering the job.

Amid these worrying developments, Walsh has now taken to social media with a positive update Spurs supporters may need to hear.

The Latest: Walsh makes major midweek Conte claim…

According to the reporter, who covers the north Londoners for 90min, Tottenham are ‘confident’ Conte will stay despite the PSG updates.

He goes on to say that former Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane is actually their top target, not Spurs’ man.

Walsh explained (via Twitter): “Understand that #THFC are confident that Antonio Conte will stay this summer despite reports linking him to PSG job. PSG’s top managerial target remains Zinedine Zidane.”

The Verdict: Great news for Spurs fans

Zidane, currently out of work and a proven Champions League-winning manager, is arguably a shoe-in for the Parc des Princes given his availability and how the fans there would idolise the France legend.

He would certainly be an easier appointment than Conte and one with just as much pedigree.

Taking this into account, Walsh’s update certainly makes sense and PSG director Leonardo may be best placed leaving Spurs’ manager and prioritising a move for Zidane.

In other news: Source: Tottenham edge closer to ‘top signing’, he really wants to join Conte! Find out more here.

If one of Neil Lennon’s New Year resolutions was to revive Celtic, then he is currently doing a bad job.

The Hoops are without a win in 2021, and are 23 points behind their fierce rivals.

It has been a season to forget and judging by their record of seven victories in the last 22 matches, it’s time for Lennon to go.

He’s claimed that he won’t leave of his own accord, and thus, the only way he’ll walk through the exit door is if Dermot Desmond and Peter Lawwell give the Northern Irishman his marching orders.

For the good of the club, it needs to happen as soon as possible. Eddie Howe has been linked with the hotseat but now another name has entered the conversation.

The Mirror reported this weekend that after leaving Chinese club Dalian Professional, Rafael Benitez is in the frame to succeed Lennon at Parkhead.

This would be an eye-catching appointment, one that could completely revitalise the Hoops in a whole host of ways.

Now 60 years of age, the Spaniard is well travelled and has a glistening CV – one that looks a lot more eye-catching than Lennon’s.

He has won the Champions League, UEFA Cup and the Europa League, while he’s also proven victorious in the Club World Cup. This is a coach with a stellar reputation, someone who has become recognised as a fabulous motivator.

Speaking about his spell under Benitez, Harry Kewell noted his ability to get players to agree with him no matter what: “He was the master of you walking into his office thinking…I know this is what I am going to say…and you’d walk out agreeing to everything he said,” the Australian began.

“Rafa Benitez was fantastic, but he’d say do this and I’d say but what about this way, and he’d respond – ‘fantastic but this is what I want you to do,” Kewell concluded.

For a Celtic side who look as though they’re being given an easy ride by Lennon right now, this would be game-changing. It feels like nothing the current Hoops boss says works and it wouldn’t be unreasonable to suggest he’s lost parts of the dressing room.

Yet, Benitez is someone that looks for solutions and can adapt well to his surroundings. The very fact he went from Real Madrid to Newcastle shows he offers a vast array of different qualities.

Though, it’s his meticulous use of analytics that could be the most beneficial for Celtic. It was revealed last year by Simon Ferry that Lennon was remarkably still using Brendan Rodgers’ training sessions. That detrimental method, however, could all change if Benitez walks through the door.

At Newcastle, Benitez installed a very particular brand of training, a highly organised intense affair.

His sessions would usually last 60-90 minutes, with a firm emphasis on exercises related to game preparation and tactics. 80% of the session would be work with the ball, while the other 20% would purely be on fitness. This type of organisation would be perfect for the Bhoys. After all, Lennon is hardly a mastermind when it comes to the training pitch.

The former Liverpool boss has also used analytics to his advantage. At Anfield, he used a Spanish tool called Amisco. It has since merged with Prozone and Opta but Benitez would collect as much analysis and statistics as possible to then feed down to his players.

Newcastle players and staff were fed intricate levels of detail when he was in the northeast of England. Assessing how their opponents lined-up for corners in previous seasons is a prime example.

Although he’d be exceptional at Lennoxtown, it is surely his reputation that would command the most respect.

There is a certain aura about the 60-year-old, one that could add fresh energy to Celtic. If Desmond can lure him to Glasgow, it would be one of his finest hours yet.

AND in other news, Hammond could revive Celtic by swooping for terrifying gem with 15 goals in 9 games…

A number of Liverpool supporters have been calling for Takumi Minamino to leave the club this summer following an update on his future.

The Reds could be set for a busy time of things in the next transfer window, with numerous incomings and outgoings expected at Anfield.

One player who has had a curious Liverpool career to date is Minamino, with the Japanese forward arriving from RB Salzburg in December 2019.

The 26-year-old has been limited to just 31 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side, having been loaned out to Southampton in January and not being considered a key part of the Reds’ plans. He has found the net just six times in 42 matches since moving to England, a far from encouraging return for a forward. He has also been questioned over his physicality, being deemed a “lightweight” by some pundits.

It remains to be seen whether Minamino has a future at Liverpool, but the Liverpool Echo claimed that the Merseysiders are open to the idea of selling him this summer.

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Liverpool fans want Minamino to leave

These Reds fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on Minamino’s future. with many believing that he doesn’t have the right attributes to succeed at Premier League level.

“Imagine signing a player for £7m and still getting ripped off. Wanted him to do well but he isn’t built for the Prem”

Credit: @RizAhmed98

“He’s good for 45 mins then goes missing in the 2nd half of games”

Credit: @Euphoria1983

“Minamino has proven he’s not good enough and would probably get more for him, we would get more than £15m for Origi, don’t underestimate Michael Edwards. I would prefer us to get Malen and Daka with an attacker and maybe Aouar or Renato Sanches if we are going into Ligue 1”

Credit: @GerWillzLFC

“Sell. We’re just wasting his talent”

Credit: @DpainTedRed

“Sell imo, he’s not good enough”

Credit: @kingcurtis100

“Sell”

Credit: @NPhillipsthe

In other news, one Liverpool star could reportedly extend his deal at Anfield. Find out who it is here.

Mohamed Elyounoussi has endured a torrid run of form with Celtic recently, which suggests that he won’t be capable of making an impact at Southampton next season, so manager Ralph Hasenhuttl should consider axing him in the summer.

The Norwegian joined the Scottish Premiership side on loan for the second successive season during the summer but after a promising start, the 26-year-old’s form has dropped significantly and he now finds himself on the fringes of the first-team squad.

The winger has 13 goals in all competitions for the Bhoys this season but has now failed to score in any of his last 10 appearances, having found himself relegated to the bench for six of those following a 2-1 home defeat against St Mirren, before being restored to the starting line up for the 0-0 draw with Dundee United at the weekend – a result which saw Rangers secure the title.

Therefore, it is difficult to see the 26-year-old returning to Southampton and forcing his way into Hasenhuttl’s plans, as since signing for the South Coast club from FC Basel in 2018, he has managed no goals and no assists in 19 appearances.

Although his confidence might have been boosted earlier in the season when he was scoring goals fairly regularly, this latest run of form suggests that his goalscoring fortunes are unlikely to turn around anytime soon.

Considering Hasenhuttl has the likes of Moussa Djenepo, Nathan Redmond and Stuart Armstrong available as wingers in his squad, as well as Nathan Tella coming through, it is difficult to see where Elyonoussi would fit in.

Unfortunately for Southampton, his contract there is set to expire in 2023, so they should look to cash in on him rather than keeping him on their books for another two seasons.

The Austrian manager wasn’t really backed to make signings in the winter transfer window, perhaps as a result of the financial impact of the current viral outbreak, and therefore, if he wants to rebuild his squad this summer, then he may need to axe some of the deadwood in his squad.

Elyounoussi is valued at £10.8 million by Tranfsermarkt so holds some decent value, and therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is one of the first players out of the door during the off-season, as unfortunately, he has been a flop for Southampton in his time with the club.

And, in other news… Southampton signing £36m-rated beast would be shades of Graziano Pelle