Russell-trained Myreside wins Cheltenham Handicap Chase
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Daily Record
5 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Brendan Rodgers says what every Celtic fan thinks as Champions League playoff fate confirmed
The Parkhead boss reacted to the Hoops landing a trip to Kazakhstan to face Kairat Almaty Brendan Rodgers admits Celtic's gruelling 13-hour trek to Kazakhstan is far from ideal. The Hoops have been paired with Kairat Almaty for a place in the Champions League group stages. Celts host the Kazakh cracks at Parkhead next Wednesday before an exhausting 9,000-mile round-trip to Almaty the following Tuesday - five days before the first derby of the season at Ibrox. And Rodgers confessed he'd have preferred a short hop to Slovakia to play old foes Slovan Bratislava, who lost out to Kairat on penalties. He told Celtic TV: 'Of course, everyone would have preferred a shorter travelling distance, but they got through, they won the tie, so we'll play the first game of our two legs and our objective is to get through. 'We can really analyse them now and be prepared for the first leg next week." Celtic last faced Kazakhstan Premier League opposition when they survived a nervy fightback against Astana in 2017. The Hoops almost blew a 5-0 home lead by falling 4-1 behind in the Kazakh capital before two late goals settled the nerves. The Scottish champions eventually progressed 8-4 on aggregate but Rodgers recalled it was far from straightforward. He said: "No, it wasn't. It should never have been the case, but it's how football works. "Yeah, 5-0 in the first leg, we were very good. At half-time in the second leg, I think it was 6-1, it was one each at half-time. "So you're in a really good place and then before you know it, you've conceded three quick goals and then the tie's at 6-4. "So we'll do everything we can to make sure we get into the group stages." Skipper Callum McGregor played that night and experience tells him it's crucial Celtic make home advantage count next week. He said: 'It's going to be a tough tie. Obviously the travel and everything else comes into that and the preparation. 'We've got the home game first, and we want to try and maximise that, as we would against any opponent. "But it could be even more important now that we try and do the absolute maximum to get a good result at home, and then negotiate the travel. 'It's a tough team and we know it will be a tough tie. It's a good tie for us but one that we'll have to be at our best to get through. "The travel and everything else that presents, it will be a tough tie, no doubt about it. "So we'll have to go there. Hopefully, we have a lead from the first game, but we have to look after that first and foremost and then over the two legs, can we do enough to get through?"
Edinburgh Reporter
23 minutes ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Duncan: ‘early goal put us on the back foot'
Scotland lost 5-0 to Belgium in their final Pool B match in the EuroHockey Championships in Germany, in temperatures around 33c, but head coach Chris Duncan admitted: 'It was a tough game against a truly outstanding side.' Belgium are ranked No 3 in the world with Scotland at No 15 and West Lothian-based Duncan said: 'This was a free shot for us, and we had a plan that we believed in. 'Their pressure at the beginning got us on the back foot.' Scotland now face two key games in cross-over ties to decide where they finish in the star-studded event in Monchengladbach. Duncan said: 'We are really looking forward to our last two games and fully believe that we can with both.' Scotland did score from a penalty corner, Amy Costello slotting when the scoreline was 4-0 against, but the goal was chalked off and Duncan said: 'Umpires need to make decisions and, whilst we are frustrated at it not being allowed, we can't do anything about it.' Ambre Bellenghien netted in the first minute and the same player was on the score sheet 17 minutes later for 2-0 following a penalty corner. Justine Rasir added a third after 27 minutes with Stephane Vanden Borre slotting a penalty stroke six minutes later, the goal coming one minute into the third quarter. Astrid Bonami added the fifth six minutes after that from a penalty corner. TALKING TACTICS: Chris Duncan (left) and his assistant, Jimmy Culnane. Picture Nigel Duncan Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Reporter
23 minutes ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Steven Naismith appointed Scotland assistant coach to replace John Carver
Steve Clarke has reinforced his backroom team ahead of Scotland's FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Former Hearts head coach Steven Naismith, will return as assistant coach to replace John Carver. He will be joined by Andrew Hughes, Leicester City's set-piece coach, who will perform the same role for Scotland. Both coaches will be in place for Scotland's open Group C double-header, away to Denmark and Belarus on September 5 and 8. 'I am delighted to have Steven and Andrew with us for the World Cup qualifying campaign,' said Clarke. 'Steven has been with us before and brings a real complementary skill set to myself and Alan Irvine. 'He has had opportunities to return to full-time club football, so it says a lot for his pride in the national team that he has agreed to join up with us again. I was really impressed by a number of potential candidates we'd spoken to when John left to continue at Lechia Gdansk but the fact we've worked together before makes for a seamless transition. 'I am also really pleased to have Andrew with us. He has coached in a variety of roles since retiring from playing but has excelled as set-piece coach at Norwich City and now Leicester City and I am grateful to Marti Cifuentes for allowing Andrew to work with us during the international windows.' Steven Naismith: 'I am really excited to be rejoining the Scotland men's national team coaching staff under Steve. When I left Hearts, I made a point of not jumping straight back in at the first offer but to reflect on my coaching experiences and wait for something that really excited me. 'When I first spoke to Steve about the possibility of coming back it was a no-brainer: I loved playing for my country, I've loved being part of the coaching team previously and I can't wait to help support the mission to take Scotland to a World Cup again.' Andrew Hughes: 'From the moment I got the call from Steve I have felt extremely honoured to be invited to work with the Scotland men's national team. 'My father is Scottish and as well as this being a proud moment for me and my family, it is a hugely exciting time as a coach to be part of a World Cup qualifying campaign, with such a talented squad, following back-to-back Euro qualifications. I can't wait to get started.' Like this: Like Related
