Scotland star suffers terrible injury setback after 26 minutes into his first appearance in over two years

£10 million striker fails again on his first start in 615 days.

Ross Stewart, a Scotland striker, was sadly pulled off with an injury only 26 minutes into his debut appearance for Southampton after almost two years off.

The 28-year-old joined Saints for about £10 million in the summer of 2023 after a successful period at Sunderland, but injuries limited him to just four substitute appearances last season.

The former Ross County striker has gradually improved his fitness this season, with four appearances off the bench culminating in a spectacular 45-minute cameo against Bournemouth last weekend.

Saints boss Russell Martin gave Stewart his first start against Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday – and his first for any club in 615 days – but the forward man was forced to leave in the 26th minute due to a muscular ailment.

Southampton’s physios hurried onto the ground to check the twice-capped Scotland international, who was unable to continue and was replaced by Cameron Archer. The game was 0-0 at the moment, but Arsenal went on to win 3-1.

Martin later acknowledged he felt bad for the unlucky attacker, whose last start came on January 28, 2023, when he suffered an achilles rupture during Sunderland’s FA Cup game against Fulham. That setback occurred at a time when Stewart was racking up goals for Sunderland, giving him the moniker ‘The Loch Ness Drogba’ and calls to Steve Clarke’s national side.

Saints manager Martin said, “Ross has a muscular issue, which we will scan. I’m devastated for him; he’s fought so hard to get back.

“We are very saddened for him. Everyone is. We just have to see how terrible it is, and I know he’ll fight it in the same manner he always does. It’s difficult for him to cope with, but he has incredible tenacity and character, so we’ll have to go back and see how long he’ll be.

“I don’t believe any of us can comprehend the kind of frustration, anguish, and suffering he will experience right now. I don’t believe it’s ever easy. A footballer’s path is never simple, no matter what age they are. To go this far, they must be resilient.

“His journey has not been easy, either, in the lower leagues or up in Scotland.” So, yes, we will aid and support him. Our role is to assist these athletes, particularly the younger ones and those who have not been here long, on their journey. We’ll keep trying to accomplish that.”

Lyon were capable of capitalizing on Rangers’ most significant weakness, which is still not improving: 4Lads

To put it mildly, the response to Rangers’ win against Hibs on Sunday was unexpected. The response on the internet was, so maybe it shouldn’t have come as a surprise after all.

When the final whistle blew, the supporters in the stadium applauded the players and gave them a significant victory. The internet community was bustling as usual. After the euphoria of Malmo, the Rangers had devolved back into trash. Right now, support is divided on almost every issue; negativity is always there.

The main complaint? We didn’t do anything noteworthy since we were dull and utilized the ball badly. I could see that point of view since Sunday’s performance wasn’t very good all around. At a midweek news conference, I attributed the Rangers’ ball use to Philippe Clement since, on Sunday, there was an imbalance between risk and retention. Its structure and form were inadequate.

The truth is that Hibs played too much ball in places where we were vulnerable to superior clubs.Rangers’ next game would demonstrate that they are just much too exposed.

“It’s an important balance,” Clement said. “You can play every ball with purpose to make it decisive, but you will lose a lot of balls in the process.” Sometimes you have to relocate an opponent in order to play the ball since the situation isn’t right. We needed to circulate the ball and not every ball was a straight kick to the offensive players or striker, which is why I believe Malmo was our greatest performance.

(Photo: Andrew Milligan)

However, to move them so that you may make pivotal passes later. We are putting a lot of effort on those things, but you could also use them to push an opponent aside so you can regain space. The aim is not only to go to the goal as quickly as you can; if you do that, you will lose the ball too frequently and the game will end.

That was thought-provoking. I made the suggestion that supporters may have to exercise some patience, particularly during home games when Rangers will control the ball and, as Clement mentions, balance is necessary.

Was there any merit to the support’s complaints over the performance vs Hibs? Indeed, without a doubt. But, it’s also crucial to take into account the energy that the group lost on the journey, especially because it came only a few days after a significant victory in Malmo.

You can’t play every game and hope to always be at your best. Some degree of realism is required. Three points, a clean sheet, and forward motion were the main takeaways.

 (Photo: Andrew Milligan)

Which brings us to Lyon’s 4-1 setback last night. This is the reason the column this week completely ignores the subject of the Rangers’ use of the ball and their upcoming encounter with the Hibs. The matter of Clement’s tactical strategy is more crucial.

Rangers were so easily played through yesterday night, and they were the architects of their own demise. Clement’s strategies were discovered.

That’s the reason I’m concerned about this team’s transparency. The Rangers’ structure is readily exposed while playing against superior teams.

Sure, we provide opportunities, but far too often we pass them up. It required a lot of tries, even in Malmo, to reach the back of the net a second time. Teams of superior caliber have exploited our side’s weaknesses off the ball against Lyon, Kyiv, and Celtic.

The most important question is this: one year into his job, is Clement’s tactical configuration making the most of this team?

He may argue that after clean sheets, this issue isn’t brought up, but in Europe, real quality poses a danger to reveal our flaws. Leaving too many holes off the ball or playing without much imagination are two examples of this.

The match against Lyon last night demonstrated how quickly Rangers and Clement must change and adapt. They are much too simple to navigate, and this will not change.

Rangers legend Ally McCoist reacts after Prince William presented him with the award

Ally McCoist has been recognized as the most recent Rangers legend for his accomplishments. He responded to the news of his OBE from Prince William.

On Wednesday afternoon [2 October], the Ibrox hero revealed that he had been awarded at Windsor Castle by posting the news on X.

McCoist, 62, has been awarded the OBE as part of King Charles’ birthday honours list, in recognition of his contributions to broadcasting and football.

Additionally, he suggested that he had discussed his team, Aston Villa, with Prince William prior to their historic Champions League match against Bayern Munich.

McCoist described the occasion as “a moment of great pride for my family and me. I am deeply humbled to be receiving my OBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle today.” I am extremely grateful for the encouragement and messages you have sent. Did we discuss [Aston Villa]? That is a matter between the Prince and myself.

An OBE is awarded to Rangers legend Ally McCoist.

McCoist’s recognition has been very well-received by the public, as he is a footballing figure that is universally adored across multiple generations.

He is now a frequent presence and voice on national television and radio, and his opinions are generally well-received, particularly by the Ibrox faithful, regardless of whether they are based in fact or overly ambitious.

The man’s humility is evident in his apparent astonishment at receiving the accolade, which is less startling to the majority.

On Tuesday evening, Laura Woods, the host of TNT Sports’ Champions League coverage, inquired about the matter. McCoist had attended the studio the day after spending time with the Royal Family at Windsor Castle.

Such a proud moment for myself and my family, I am humbled to be receiving my OBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle today. Thank you for all the support and messages it means so much. Did we speak about @AVFCOfficial ?? That’s between the Prince and I 😉 pic.twitter.com/QDCZZhbA2f

— Ally McCoist (@Ally_McCoist9) October 2, 2024

“I have been awarded an OBE for whatever reason to whoever,” he informed Woods [quoted in The Herald, 2 October].

The Scotsman’s apparent passion for the game and subsequent expression of his opinions on it, including the events at his adored Rangers, will be anticipated by many to persist for many years.

Philippe Clement flips after Hibs penalty and was upset at Rangers kick-off time

The Gers manager swiped at the 12 am kick-off and said his squad was exhausted after their midweek exploits in Sweden.

FuriousPhilippe Clement has spoken up for John Souttar and argues Hibs shouldn’t have received a penalty at all.

Tom Lawrence’s first-half wondergoal proved the difference as the Rangers coach saw his team fight out a 1-0 victory at Ibrox. Jack Butland stopped Mykola Kukharevych’s poor penalty, therefore wasting the opportunity to strike an equalizer just before half-time.

Refine After John Souttar was fined for stopping Kuharevich’s goal-bound shot with his arm, Nick Walsh reversed his own on-field judgment by finally pointing to the spot after a VAR review. Clement argues, therefore, that Souttar could not have done to remove his arm from the path.

Clement railed: “Why is that a penalty? One of your players goes in fight, rotates himself, and raises his leg to get the ball, thus widening him. He sees the other one who receives the contact at that instant; he shrinks to place his arm in front of him, then the ball strikes him and his arm goes upward in that direction.

“In that little space, I have witnessed circumstances in the last several weeks were individuals with their arm out of their body were not penalized. It was said before this season not to issue simple penalties for little distance in certain situations. For me therefore, it is not a punishment.

“You turn yourself and you move with your leg up; he cannot press his elbow on his body. He makes himself smaller to not be arriving in like manner as you cannot place your arm anywhere in your body. You cannot do more as a player; this ball comes from one- and- a- half meters.

“So no, I believe the conversation with managers and the referee department made it very evident that these circumstances were not penalties. Indeed, I hope that decision will be reached throughout the week, but it is not certain. Always human judgments are made here.”

After Thursday night’s Europa League victory in Sweden, Clement also launched a jab at the 12pm kick-off time for this afternoon.

When considering the game, he remarked, “It’s really crucial to take the three points and be the team that’s on the ball most of the time. We understood that it’s a difficult afternoon. To play at 12pm after a European game, it’s also the earliest hour you might choose.

“We returned from Malmo at around two in the morning, therefore players lose a lot of sleep there and you also need much sleep again as you have to rise up early once more today. In recovery, therefore, it’s not ideal and you must dig in, exhibit quality, and in many places we did.

“It’s natural; certain times I saw less freshness with some players than in the past several weeks. I discussed consistency—that is, consistency of outcomes. Thus, obtaining another clean sheet and additional three deserved points marks a great success.

Monday Jury’s argument of current Celtic squad vs Invincibles based on Rangers, Hearts, and Hoops’ Euro prospects

The leadership staff of Record Sport offers their opinions on four important issues.

At St Johnstone last time out, Celtic ran out big scorers.

How does Brendan Rodgers’s present Celtic squad fare against his Invincibles from 2016/17?

KEITH JACKSON: Though his team is stronger this time around, there is not much between the starting sides. Today, Celtic are in a better state than they were when Rodgers first came.

CRAIG SWAN: That is a difficult one. Both have great personality and are spectacular at their best. A game between them would call for extra time and penalties.

ANDY NEWPORT: That’s a difficult one, but based on their records and trophy in the bag, I would plump for the Invincibles today; this current squad has a lot of work ahead of them to match the amazing successes of 2017.

Michael Gannon: That would be some game, quite certain. Mostly because Rodgers 2024 has taken the ferocity of Angeball and added the discipline of the Invincibles, the present team may just shade a five goal thriller.

Are Rangers back in with a reasonable shout for the championship?

Kevin: No. Right now, the focus is on keeping within close proximity to their opponents at top of the table and steadying the ship for Philippe Clement. Though still a long road ahead, he is making progress.

If Rangers perform, they should have too much for the others; yet, getting the better of Celtic is a whole another possibility. To qualify as contenders, they would have to win Old Firm games.

ANDY: Rangers demonstrated last year that they could battle their way back into contention after a terrible start; yet, Celtic’s celebratory downturn helped them to recover. We may not see this this time round. The Hoops are on a roll and want to grow yet more robust.

Michael: Rangers should right now forget about the championship battle. It’s about keeping momentum gained and displaying indicators of development. They can handle everyone, but they will still have to figure out how to handle Celtic and that still seems some distance off.

Rangers ran out 1-0 winners over Hibs at Ibrox

Concern yourself with the top-flight survival of St Johnstone?

Keith: Yes. Hearts right now is the greatest thing they have going for them. Adam Webb has to hope he strikes fortunate with his decision after Scott Brown was persuaded not to accept the position.

CRAIG: Since factions surrounding Ross County will battle and take up points, saints need an inspired appointment. For them, this is a stressful period.

And then:Though there is still a long way to go, managers have to make their next choice correctly. But Scott Brown and Tiernan Lynch have already reversed them, so Perth should be put on alert bells rining.

Michael:McDiarmid Park seems to be in a bad state, and they have lately had more knockbacks than a drunk at the dance. While the other sides around the bottom appear more suited to get out of it, the new leader will have to perform miracles to keep this side out of trouble.

How will the Scottish teams do this week in Europe?

KEITH: Celtic will have work ahead of them at Dortmund even if the Germans are having trouble with form. On the way, a point would be really good. Rangers would accept a similar outcome at home to Lyon. But Hearts versus Minsk appears to be another challenging night.

CRAIG: Stiff for most of them. Celtic and Hearts have work ahead of them on the road; it’s not simpler for Rangers facing Lyon at Ibrox. There would be fantastic any victories.

andy: Although Celtic has been on fire this season, I think they will need their finest performance if they are to conquer the yellow wall in Dortmund. After Malmo last week, Rangers should value their chances of lamping a weak Lyon side. Regarding Hearts, you would normally like their chances against Dinamo Minsk, but right now you get the impression they would bite your hand off for a draw.

Michael: Although hearts may be toiling, they are up against a team Lincoln Red Imps papped out of the Europa League so that at least a point can be collected. Though they may terrify Dortmund and keep momentum even if they don’t quite get a victory, Celtic are up against it. Rangers also face a difficult one, independent of Lyon’s erratic home performance, although they can draw on the bank.

BBC Sportsound pundit was left in admiration of Ange-eclipsing Celtic and believes that Rangers are poised for a “healthy doing”

Celtic have garnered significant praise for their season-opening performance, and they demonstrated their ruthlessness by defeating St. Johnstone 6-0 on Saturday night.

There were five distinct competitors who contributed to the final score on the scoresheet. The goals tallied were indicative of the collective confidence and cohesiveness of the complete team.

Throughout the 90 minutes, the home defense was virtually torn apart by a series of devastating in-play combinations that were both aesthetically appealing and effective.

It is accurate that St Johnstone is currently experiencing difficulties. They did not precisely administer a rigorous examination.

However, the current level of enthusiasm surrounding Celtic is less indicative of the caliber of their opponents and more indicative of their operational approach.

After the demolition of St. Johnstone, Celtic receives glowing evaluations.

Even pundits who are not precisely Celtic supporters were captivated by the game, as the BBC Sportsound panel that covered it was unable to get enough.

For instance, the chorus was conducted by Hearts supporter Allan Preston, who expressed his admiration with the utmost enthusiasm.

He stated, “This is the most exceptional football team I have observed in Scotland in years.” Many, many years. I am unsure of the most recent instance in which I have observed an individual who is as fluent and as concise as that.

Preston was asked whether the current Celtic team is superior to the one that Ange Postecoglou assembled in Scotland. He responded, “I really believe so.” I believe that Brendan initially encountered a significant number of Ange’s players, who continued to desire to adhere to Ange’s playing style. That is not Brendan’s approach; they are two distinct approaches.

However, I observed the matches against Chelsea and Manchester City after having observed Celtic during the close season. Certainly, they are friendly rivals; however, the manner in which they manipulated the ball left me in awe and prompted me to contemplate whether they could replicate this skill in Scotland. They have, without a doubt, accomplished it.

Celtic is capable of decimating any Scottish club.

The fact that Celtic were playing St Johnstone was almost extraneous for Preston. He believes that any team, including Rangers, could have been the recipient of a 6-0 score on Saturday night.

He concluded, “St Johnstone, yeah, they’re on a downer; they aren’t playing well.” They are a club that is in a state of crisis, but Celtic have dismantled them. The number could have been ten. Celtic will apply this to nearly every opponent.

“I incorporate Rangers into that. If Celtic continue to perform as they have tonight, Rangers may be able to secure a robust victory when they ultimately meet.

It is not inaccurate, despite its lofty praise. The Bhoys have already defeated the Ibrox side 3-0 this season and are continuing to improve.

There is a great deal more to come, and it is truly thrilling that the team will now be able to prove themselves at the highest level against Dortmund on Tuesday night. I propose that we investigate the true position of Rodgers regarding this matter.

Celtic’s injury update is disclosed as Rangers’ pursuit of a player who is “wanted” addresses transfer speculation.

This weekend, Celtic and Rangers were both involved in Scottish Premiership matches.

Celtic’s emphatic performance resulted in a 6-0 victory at St Johnstone on Saturday afternoon. Two goals were tallied by Kyogo Furuhashi, and Paulo Bernardo, Callum McGregor, Daizen Maeda, and Adam Idah also scored.

The Hoops are the focus of the Rangers’ pursuit in the upcoming weeks and months. I have included the most recent updates on the pair below…

Cameron Carter-Vickers will be evaluated by Celtic prior to their Champions League away match against Borussia Dortmund. The center-back has been sidelined for the past two matches due to a foot injury.

Brendan Rodgers has stated in the most recent update regarding his condition, “I am uncertain.” I will be informed tomorrow. View his current location. And then we will proceed on Monday. In the event that he is unavailable, that is acceptable. Auston Trusty entered the premises. Tonight, I believed that he performed exceptionally well. You have observed his velocity and his strength. He is operating from the right side, but his game is well-balanced. Additionally, I believed that he performed exceptionally well. Therefore, in the event that Cameron is unavailable, we have an individual who can immediately assume his responsibilities.

In the meantime, Greg Taylor, the left-back, was substituted during the match against St Johnstone; however, there is optimism that he will recover without incident. This is the most recent information that his supervisor has disclosed: “Greg experienced a calf tightness during the initial 15 minutes.” Therefore, we remove him as a precautionary measure and replace him with Alex Valle. We anticipate that he will be unharmed.

Interest in the winger

According to a report by the Daily Record, Rangers expressed interest in Plymouth Argyle winger Morgan Whittaker during the summer, but no actual progress was made. The 23-year-old remained at Home Park beyond the deadline as a result of his substantial cost.

He addressed the topic of the Gers after his team’s recent 2-1 victory over Luton Town, telling the Western Morning News, “I have been in this situation before, so I know how to handle it and I found ways it worked for me. That’s just focusing on what I can do.” I believe that the distinction between my time at Swansea and this time is that I was aware that I would be playing here. In my opinion, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement, as I am thoroughly enjoying my time here and am actively engaged in gaming. Additionally, if I were to relocate, it would be to a higher level that I aspire to. I did not perceive it as an undesirable circumstance.

Rodgers’ post-match remarks are criticized by a pundit

 

Tam McManus, a former Hibernian forward, has criticized Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers for what he considers to be a lack of contrition in response to comments made by Rodgers following Celtic’s 6-0 victory over St Johnstone on Saturday.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v Slovan Bratislava – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 18, 2024 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers reacts Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Rodgers addressed detractors who accused his team of playing sluggish and unproductive football during the post-match interviews held last season. Celtic’s impressive display at McDiarmid Park, which included a brace from Kyogo Furuhashi, as well as goals from Paulo Bernardo, Callum McGregor, Daizen Maeda, and Adam Idah, prompted this response.

Rodgers’ rebuttal to his detractors was deemed superfluous by McManus, as it undermined his own principles of humility.

He published a message on the social media platform X:

Fantastic performance and result. Looks a seriously strong Celtic squad but no need for the pop as at the time Celtic were not playing good football. Not scoring a goal v Kilmarnock & St Johnstone in back to back weeks proves that. Brendan goes on about staying humble. Well i’m… https://t.co/yhRmvhQg8F

— Tam McManus (@The_Tman10) September 28, 2024

Celtic’s excellent start to the season, which includes 20 goals scored and no conceded in their first six league matches, is a substantial departure from the criticisms of the previous year. The team is exhibiting a potentially more dynamic and effective style of play under Rodgers.

It could be argued that Celtic are employing Angeball in their attack, with a more organized counter press and a compact defensive unit.

Currently, the Hoops are experiencing success, as evidenced by their impressive goal difference of +20, which has been achieved in only six games. May it persist indefinitely.

An unforgettable Daizen Maeda moment

This has become so commonplace among Celtic fans that it may be considered an expectation. Nevertheless, we will never weary of Daizen Maeda’s pursuit of opposing players, even when the bhoys are 6-0 up with five minutes remaining.

The video of the Japanese star sprinting back to retrieve the ball after a sloppy pass in the final third has gone viral, marking another Daizen moment.

The winger could have been excused for allowing this one to fall, but in typical Daizen fashion, he witnesses Celtic loose the ball and sprints the length of the field to retrieve it.

Winning 6-0. 86 minutes. Daizen Maeda… pic.twitter.com/rvRlIOs28n

— Stewart Ross (@StewartRoss89) September 29, 2024

Maeda and Celtic will provide additional information in the future.

Celtic were exceptional throughout their performance in Perth. The boys truly demonstrated their capabilities. Nevertheless, you continue to believe that this group has more to offer and has not yet reached its peak.

Maeda was initially recruited by Ange Postecoglou; however, Brendan Rogers has since elevated him to greater heights. Maeda is an exceptional Celtic athlete due to his exceptional work ethic and integrity, both on and off the field.

The next challenge for the Hoops is a harrowing journey to Dortmund. We can hope for a positive outcome in Germany, but it will be a difficult evening