McInnes Delivers Statement Victory as Rangers Overwhelm Lacklustre Celtic
For Derek McInnes, Sunday was the kind of afternoon that can change the entire mood around a football club.
After a difficult start to life at Ibrox, the Rangers manager delivered his first major victory in comfortable fashion, overseeing a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Celtic to book a place in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals.
The result was impressive. The manner of the performance was even more significant.
Rangers were aggressive, organised and relentless from the opening whistle, exposing a Celtic side that appeared unprepared for the intensity and tactical approach of their opponents. In front of 50,000 supporters, the hosts produced the sort of performance that has been missing from too many recent derby encounters.
Captain Dan Neil set the tone with a superb opening goal before Kevin Kelsy doubled the advantage with a thumping half-volley. Neil then completed the scoring with a magnificent curling effort into the top corner, prompting scenes of celebration around Ibrox.
For McInnes, the victory represented far more than progression to the semi-finals, where Rangers will face Aberdeen. It was a statement of intent and a reminder of what his team could become under his leadership.
The former Hearts manager arrived amid significant expectations, but early struggles had raised questions about whether he could meet the demands of the Rangers job.
Those doubts will not disappear after one result, but this was an emphatic response.
With another league meeting against Celtic approaching next Sunday, McInnes has given Rangers belief, momentum and, perhaps most importantly, a performance their supporters will remember.
SFA Unveils New-Look National Youth Team Coaching Structure
The SFA has unveiled a new-look National Youth Team coaching structure designed to create a clearer pathway from the youngest age groups through to Sébastien Pocognoli’s senior Scotland side.
Rather than being assigned permanently to individual age groups, the new coaches will work collaboratively across the pathway, sharing knowledge, improving talent identification and ensuring a consistent Scotland identity.
Tam Courts joins on a full-time basis from Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia and will initially take charge of the Under-19s, assisted by former Scotland international Lee Wallace.
David McCallum, the former Rangers interim academy director, will lead the Under-17s alongside ex-Republic of Ireland international Jonny Hayes, who currently coaches Celtic B.
Rhys McCabe, who guided Airdrieonians to promotion and Challenge Cup success in 2023-24, arrives to work with the Under-16s.
Existing Scottish FA coaches James Grady and Stephen Clarke will lead new Under-15 and Under-14 programmes, while Peter Leven joins to support coaching and talent identification across the age groups.
Neil MacFarlane, currently with Brentford, will continue working part-time across the youth squads, while Graeme Smith retains responsibility for goalkeeping development.
Chief Football Officer Craig Mulholland believes the structure will align Scotland’s playing identity and coaching methods from the national team down, creating a more connected and effective pathway for the country’s best young players.
Callum McFadden 