Rangers clinch semi‑final as Celtic falter and Kasper the Ghost looms

Rangers’ 3‑0 victory over Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday secured their place in the Premier Sports Cup semi‑final and handed them bragging rights in the season’s first Old Firm clash, with Dan Neil’s double and Kevin Kelsy’s strike sealing the win as Steven Gerrard made his return to the stadium.

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Rangers dominate Old Firm

Dan Neil opened the scoring before adding a second, completing a double that put Rangers firmly in control. Kevin Kelsy then added a well‑worked strike to make it 3‑0, his first goal for the club in his inaugural Old Firm appearance.

Celtic’s Kasper the Ghost struggles

Kasper Hogh, dubbed “Kasper the Ghost”, was a muted presence for Celtic, having scored in just one of seven games so far, three of those goals coming in a single half against Kilmarnock. Fans questioned his role, noting he often operates as a penalty‑box striker rather than a traditional target man.

O’Neill under fire and Gerrard returns

Martin O’Neill, now 74, endured a hostile crowd of 51,212, hearing chants that labelled him a “sad Fenian” while he admitted he would rather be sipping a latte in Fulham. The atmosphere was amplified by a rendition of “Daydream Believer”, a song O’Neill first heard in the early 2000s. Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard’s return to Ibrox added a nostalgic note to the proceedings.

Semi‑final awaits Aberdeen

The win earns Rangers a spot in the Premier Sports Cup semi‑final where they will face Aberdeen, while also securing bragging rights in a one‑sided encounter in Govan. Manager Derek McInnes knows the next challenge will be a return to Parkhead, where Celtic’s supporters are likely to repeat their vocal opposition.