Skipper Dan Neil grabbed a glorious double as Derek McInnes claimed his first Old Firm victory as Rangers boss with an emphatic 3-0 Scottish League Cup win over Celtic.
With no away fans inside Ibrox at the order of the authorities amid a ticket allocation spat between the two Glasgow giants, the whole stadium exploded in blue in the 22nd minute when midfielder Neil, signed from Sunderland in the summer, guided in his first Gers goal from the edge of the box.
New striker Kevin Kelsy fired in a second in the 59th minute, his first in Light Blue, with Neil adding a third with another fine finish in the 75th minute as the hosts marched into the semi-finals.
It was a first domestic defeat of the season for Martin O’Neill’s side, who rarely threatened the Gers goal – although they will not have long to wait for revenge as the two sides meet in the Scottish Premiership next Sunday where again visiting fans are banned, although after five wins in a row for Rangers, they will travel with confidence.
Follow live updates from Rangers v Celtic, below
Rangers v Celtic LIVE: Latest updates from Old Firm
- Rangers outclass Celtic to win Scottish League Cup quarter-final 3-0
- Rangers to face Aberdeen in semi-final
- Away fans banned from Old Firm matches between Celtic and Rangers this season
- Derek McInnes kickstarts Gers reign by winning first Old Firm match against Martin O'Neill's side
- WATCH: Rangers score two stunning second-half goals
- 75' - GOAL! Rangers skipper Neil brilliantly curls in his second goal of the game [RAN 3-0 CEL]
- 60' - GOAL! Kelsy beautifully volleys in to double Gers lead [RAN 2-0 CEL]
- 23' - GOAL! Rangers skipper Neil rifles into the bottom corner [RAN 1-0 CEL]
Sublime Rangers lay down early Old Firm marker with League Cup hammering of Celtic
15:10 , Luke Baker
Skipper Dan Neil grabbed a glorious double as Derek McInnes claimed his first Old Firm victory as Rangers boss with an emphatic 3-0 Scottish League Cup win over Celtic.
With no away fans inside Ibrox at the order of the authorities amid a ticket allocation spat between the two Glasgow giants, the whole stadium exploded in blue in the 22nd minute when midfielder Neil, signed from Sunderland in the summer, guided in his first Gers goal from the edge of the box.
New striker Kevin Kelsy fired in a second in the 59th minute, his first in Light Blue, with Neil adding a third with another fine finish in the 75th minute as the hosts marched into the semi-finals.
Read the full report from Ibrox:
Sublime Rangers lay down early Old Firm marker with League Cup hammering of Celtic
WATCH: Dan Neil with stunning second to wrap up big win
14:56 , Luke Baker
Dan Neil’s first was good but his second was even better. 3-0 and job done
"He's done it again!" 😱
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 13, 2026
Dan Neil betters his first half strike and @RangersFC are rampant against Celtic now 🔵#PremierSportsCup | @spfl pic.twitter.com/7899bGzNxj
WATCH: Kelsy's exquisite finish makes it 2-0
14:47 , Luke Baker
A lovely volley from Kevin Kelsy to make it 2-0
"What a moment for the Venezuelan!" 🎙️
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 13, 2026
Kevin Kelsy doubles @RangersFC's lead and the home side have tightened their grip on this Quarter Final now 🔵#PremierSportsCup | @spfl pic.twitter.com/nj4EkKG0gf
WATCH: Dan Neil puts Gers in front
14:40 , Luke Baker
Let’s have a quick run through the goals from today. Starting with Dan Neil’s first strike
It's @RangersFC who take the lead! 🔵
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 13, 2026
A brilliant finish from Dan Neil and Ibrox ERUPTS! 💥#PremierSportsCup | @spfl pic.twitter.com/h0k7QkKiSl
Derek McInnes with dream Old Firm debut
14:32 , Luke Baker
It’s not been the smoothest start to life as Rangers boss for Derek McInnes (*cough* Jagiellonia Bialystok *cough*) but this will massively help.
One Old Firm derby, one victory for the ex-Hearts man. It was a tactical masterclass as well. His decision to go with three at the back and overload the midfield afforded Rangers complete control.
How will Martin O’Neill respond in seen days’ time?
Just seven days until the next Old Firm
14:24 , Luke Baker
Today was great. Fancy doing it again? Of course you do!
Luckily there’s only seven day to wait for the next Old Firm clash, with Celtic and Rangers going head to head in the Scottish Premiership next Sunday.
This time, the game is at Celtic Park and there won’t be any Gers fans in attendance due to the ongoing ban.
Can Celtic bounce back or will Rangers use this victory to kick on in the league?
Rangers find out semi-final opponents
14:19 , Luke Baker
The semi-final draw for the Scottish League Cup has just been completed, so we now know that Rangers will play Aberdeen at Hampden Park for a place in the final.
That means it’s an Edinburgh derby in the other semi as Hearts square off with Hibernian. That’s a couple of fun ties.
Scottish League Cup semi-final draw
- Hearts v Hibernian
- Rangers v Aberdeen
Ties to be played on weekend of 31 October / 1 November
Dan Neil: 'We were ready to run through brick walls'
14:17 , Luke Baker
A captain’s performance from Dan Neil today and he spoke to Premier Sports after his two goals.
“Brilliant,” said Neil. “It was a great team performance. We fully deserved the victory out there.
“I don't score many goals. I thought the big man [Kevin Kelsy] was excellent today.
“In the last few games we've done well without the ball. Today we wanted to use the crowd and get after them - the lads executed it perfectly.
“We all believed in the plan. The gaffer is good before games and he made sure we were ready to run through brick walls. That togetherness and cohesion has really come on recently.”
Rangers win first Old Firm of the season
14:10 , Luke Baker
This is how you lay down a marker against your biggest rivals early in a season
FULL-TIME! Rangers 3-0 Celtic
14:03 , Luke Baker
Celebrations for Rangers. A superb display against their biggest rivals
A day to remember for Rangers at Ibrox! 🔵
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 13, 2026
The sound of the full-time whistle confirms a resounding 3-0 win over Celtic 😲#PremierSportsCup pic.twitter.com/QA70lUwT1K
Rangers into League Cup semi-finals
13:57 , Luke Baker
A superb display and books Rangers a place in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals.
They join Hearts, Hibernian and Aberdeen in the last four. The draw will determine who plays who
FULL-TIME! Rangers 3-0 Celtic
13:53 , Luke Baker
All over at Ibrox. A stunning performance by Rangers who dominated and deservedly hammered their Old Firm rivals.
A first League Cup win over Celtic for Rangers since the 2011 final and they’re into the semi-finals this year.
Dan Neil with a captain’s performance to score twice and Kevin Kelsy also netted.
The kick-start that the Derek McInnes era needed?
Rangers 3-0 Celtic, 90+2 mins
13:51 , Luke Baker
Rangers come surging forward, searching for a fourth to really rub it in. The ole chants are out in force at Ibrox.
Rangers 3-0 Celtic, 90 mins
13:48 , Luke Baker
Mheuka gets his head on a cross but it’s not the most powerful effort and Fernandez can clear it off the line. No consolation for Celtic here. Yet, anyway.
Four minutes of added time
Rangers 3-0 Celtic, 88 mins
13:46 , Luke Baker
Curtis cuts inside and curls a bouncing effort towards the far corner that Johnstone gets down to, tipping it wide.
The low corner is cleared by McGregor however.
Rangers 3-0 Celtic, 85 mins
13:45 , Luke Baker
Rangers happy to coast now. They know the job is done.
Dan Neil taken off so he can receive a standing ovation from the crowd and he’s got a huge grin on his face. Gassama also subbed off as Findlay Curtis and Vanja Dragojevic come on for the final knockings.
Kevin Kelsy then departs shortly after as Boja Miovski gets a runout
WATCH: Rangers put game beyond doubt with second-half goals
13:42 , Luke Baker
Here are those two second-half goals from Rangers. Two stunning bits of technique from Kelsy and Neil
"What a moment for the Venezuelan!" 🎙️
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 13, 2026
Kevin Kelsy doubles @RangersFC's lead and the home side have tightened their grip on this Quarter Final now 🔵#PremierSportsCup | @spfl pic.twitter.com/nj4EkKG0gf
"He's done it again!" 😱
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 13, 2026
Dan Neil betters his first half strike and @RangersFC are rampant against Celtic now 🔵#PremierSportsCup | @spfl pic.twitter.com/7899bGzNxj
Rangers 3-0 Celtic, 81 mins
13:41 , Luke Baker
It really was an incredible effort by Neil for his second goal...
Meanwhile, another foul from Donovan, who was booked in the first half. He’s got to be careful he doesn’t see red here.
Chelsea loanee Shim Mheuka and Jordan Lotomba on for Celtic as Tierney and Duran depart.
Rangers 3-0 Celtic, 77 mins
13:37 , Luke Baker
The Celtic frustration bubbling over now. Penrice fouls Hassan on the touchline and the Celtic man takes exception to it. Some pushing and shoving and Hassan ends up grappling with Gassama.
When things calm down, it’s yellow cards for Penrice and Hassan.
Ibrox is rocking - electric atmosphere
GOAL! Rangers 3-0 Celtic (Dan Neil, 75 mins)
13:36 , Luke Baker
OH MY WORD - THAT IS SPECTACULAR! Dan Neil take a bow. Incredible from the Rangers skipper!
A cross is half-cleared to the edge of the box. Neil takes a touch and arcs a side-footed shot into the top right-hand corner of Johnstone’s goal. Exquisite!
The captain has two goals now, on his Old Firm debut. What a day for him. What a day for Rangers.
Rangers 2-0 Celtic, 73 mins
13:33 , Luke Baker
Will Rangers go into protection mode now? They’ve certainly done the hard work.
A couple of changes from the hosts as Badredine Bouanani and Ben Godfrey come on for the hard-working Naderi and Kim. I think they’ve switched to a back four as well
Rangers 2-0 Celtic, 69 mins
13:29 , Luke Baker
Gassam gets to the by-line again, puts in the cross and Tierney has to flick it behind.
The corner is decent but scrambled clear and a brilliant ball is then whipped back into the box but somehow goes all the way through, narrowly evading the lunging Fernandez. Any sort of touch and it was a goal
Rangers 2-0 Celtic, 65 mins
13:24 , Luke Baker
Celtic in desperation mode now. Two subs from Martin O’Neill to try and change it. James Forrest and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on for the ineffective Hogh and Nygren.
Duran will likely play through the middle now. He’s a different sort of threat to Hogh.
NO GOAL! Rangers 2-0 Celtic, 63 mins
13:22 , Luke Baker
Oh my word! It looks like it’s 3-0 Rangers as Fernandez rises highest from a free-kick and powers the header in but the fans have their celebrations cut short.
The assistant referee has his flag up for offside. Raskin was off from the free-kick and he leapt for the ball as well. Fernandez’s header may even have flicked off him. Let-off for Celtic
Rangers 2-0 Celtic, 61 mins
13:20 , Luke Baker
We actually have a VAR check for offside. Was Naderi offside when he competed in the air with Carter-Vickers from the initial cross?
Nope! Goal stands and it’s 2-0 Gers. Ibrox erupts. Their side are in complete control
GOAL! Rangers 2-0 Celtic (Kevin Kelsy, 60 mins)
13:19 , Luke Baker
AND THERE’S THE GOAL! 2-0 and Rangers have one foot in the semi-finals.
Penrice whips a cross in from the left, Carter-Vickers outjumps Naderi but his header only falls to Kevin Kelsy and it’s brilliant technique from the Venezuelan as he lashes a volley beyond Johnstone and into the net.
His first Rangers goal and what a time to get it!
SAVE! Rangers 1-0 Celtic, 58 mins
13:17 , Luke Baker
Better from Celtic as the ball is lofted crossfield to Hassan who tries to cut inside but is well tackled. Rangers then break at pace.
The ball is deflected and falls to Kim on the elft of the box. He turns it goalwards but Johnstone has rushed out, made himself big and an outstretched right foot saves the ball. Good stop that.
Rangers 1-0 Celtic, 55 mins
13:13 , Luke Baker
Celtic struggling to get out of their own half at the moment. Another ball into the box and Raskin nips in front of Donovan but can’t direct his header on target.
Rangers 1-0 Celtic, 52 mins
13:11 , Luke Baker
All Rangers in this second period. The ball is laid back to Fernandez, 25 yards out after marauding forward, but his first-time shot is high, wide and not so handsome. Well over the top
Rangers 1-0 Celtic, 50 mins
13:09 , Luke Baker
By the way, the always-lively Haissem Hassan was brought on at the break by O’Neill, coming on for Tounekti. He’ll play on the right, with Nygren switching to the left.
He’s looking dangerous already and Makhanya becomes the first Rangers played to be booked for bringing him down on the touchline.
Later, Gers win a corner after Johnstone slightly unconvincingly flaps the ball away but Celtic defend it well
SAVE! Rangers 1-0 Celtic, 48 mins
13:07 , Luke Baker
Rangers have started this second half well. They come striding forward and Kim picks the ball up on the edge of the box. He rifles it goalwards and Johsntone plunges to his right to push it away. Decent save
KICK-OFF! Rangers 1-0 Celtic
13:05 , Luke Baker
Back underway at Ibrox.
WATCH: The goal that put Rangers ahead
12:53 , Luke Baker
Here’s Dan Neil’s goal that is the difference between the sides at half-time of this Scottish League Cup quarter-final
It's @RangersFC who take the lead! 🔵
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 13, 2026
A brilliant finish from Dan Neil and Ibrox ERUPTS! 💥#PremierSportsCup | @spfl pic.twitter.com/h0k7QkKiSl
HALF-TIME! Rangers 1-0 Celtic
12:48 , Luke Baker
That is a job well done by Rangers in the first half. They’ve been the better side and made that advantage pay thanks to captain Dan Neil firing in from the edge of the box to lead 1-0.
Celtic haven’t offered a lot and there will be questions for Martin O’Neill to answer at half-time.
Rangers 1-0 Celtic, 45 mins
12:46 , Luke Baker
Kim lofts a ball over the top for Kelsy but it’s just too far and JOhnstone can scamper off his line to gether.
Just one minute of injury time at the end of this first half
Rangers 1-0 Celtic, 43 mins
12:45 , Luke Baker
Rangers pushing for a second goal before half-time and Gassama runs in behind but he’s just caught offside. That was tight to be honest. He’s been a real threat in this first half though.
Rangers 1-0 Celtic, 40 mins
12:41 , Luke Baker
Gassama in a dangerous position down the left, Donovan slips and the Rangers winger is past him. Gassama then cuts inside again, trying to go across the edge of the box for a shot but he’s crowded out.
Probably not the right decision there after he’d skipped past Donovan. But Gassama is looking threatening
Rangers 1-0 Celtic, 38 mins
12:39 , Luke Baker
Tierney on the overlap outside Tounekti and tries the cutback into the box but it’s well defended. The visitors just starting to stretch the hosts slightly though and this is their best spell of the match.
A cross is then floated into the box towards Hogh but Pandur claims it well.
Rangers 1-0 Celtic, 36 mins
12:37 , Luke Baker
Celtic starting to get a bit more possession now and patiently probing, waiting for an opening. So far the blue wall is remaining firm though and their pressing is really, really good, forcing the Hoops backwards.
WATCH: Ibrox erupts as skipper Dan Neil fires Rangers ahead
12:33 , Luke Baker
Here’s that Dan Neil goal. Well worked and a precise finish from the Rangers skipper. Class all round.
It's @RangersFC who take the lead! 🔵
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 13, 2026
A brilliant finish from Dan Neil and Ibrox ERUPTS! 💥#PremierSportsCup | @spfl pic.twitter.com/h0k7QkKiSl
Rangers 1-0 Celtic, 31 mins
12:32 , Luke Baker
Rangers are full value for this lead - Derek McInnes decision to load the midfield and leave just three at the back has been a stroke of genius so far.
MISS! Rangers 1-0 Celtic, 28 mins
12:31 , Luke Baker
Celtic try to hit back and Duran cuts inside, getting a shot away but it’s straight at Pandur.
Then, up the other end, Colby Donovan hacks down Gassama on the left edge of the box and receives a yellow card for his troubles.
The free-kick is then whipped in - finally a decent set-piece delivery from Gers - and Fernandez rises highest for a free header but powers it over the bar. That was a chance.
Rangers 1-0 Celtic, 25 mins
12:27 , Luke Baker
Perfect start for Rangers really. They’ve played well and now taken advantage with Neil doing exactly what you want your captain to in an Old Firm clash.
The Englishman joined from Sunderland in the summer and scoring against Celtic is some way to endear yourself to the Rangers faithful.
GOAL! Rangers 1-0 Celtic (Dan Neil, 23 mins)
12:25 , Luke Baker
AND THERE’S THE BREAKTHROUGH. Frankly, it’s fully deserved for Rangers.
A ball forward to Naderi who beats Carter-Vickers to it and holds up play well. He passes inside to the supporting Kelsy, he then lays it back to Dan Neil on the edge of the box and he rifles it beyond Johnstone into the bottom corner!
The captain, on his Old Firm debut, steps up in style! Rangers lead!
Rangers 0-0 Celtic, 21 mins
12:24 , Luke Baker
Rangers still on top here. Kelsy jinks inside his man and is clipped, so it’s a Gers free-kick out wide. The delivery is poor once again though, far too long and it’s cleared.
Here’s a couple of pictures of that Scales clearance off the line from Kims’ shot by the way. Huge.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic, 19 mins
12:22 , Luke Baker
Celtic get their first corner of the day but it comes to nothing. And then we get our first yellow card.
Honestly, it’s pretty harsh. Nygren and Kelsy both slide in for a loose ball their bodies crash together. Kelsy is clearly there first, so it’s a foul by Nygren, but the referee also decides to book the Sweden international, which feels a touch needless
OFF THE LINE! Rangers 0-0 Celtic, 16 mins
12:18 , Luke Baker
Deary me, Sam Johnstone is having an Old Firm debut to forget so far. He comes out and absolutely flaps at a cross, barely getting a hand on his attempted punch.
The ball falls to Kim who lashes the half-volley at goal with the keeper stranded. It’s headed for the bottom corner but Scales does superbly to stick out a foot and flick the ball wide. He saved Johnstone’s bacon there!
Kim’s corner is rubbish again - doesn’t clear the first man once more.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic, 14 mins
12:15 , Luke Baker
Corner for Rangers as Tierney blocks a cross behind. Kim takes but his outswinger fails to get past the first man, McGregor, who heads the ball into touch. Poor really.
CHANCE! Rangers 0-0 Celtic, 11 mins
12:13 , Luke Baker
Moving the extra man from defence into midfield has worked well for Rangers so far. They’re holding their own with Celtic in the engine room, in fact they’re on top.
But a first half-chance for Celtic. A stunning crossfield ball picks out Hogh on the edge of the area but the club’s record signing gets the ball stuck between his feet and falls over... You can imagine the jeers that rattle round Ibrox.
The ball falls to Duran though, he bursts into the area and tries a shot across goal that goes harmlessly wide.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic, 8 mins
12:10 , Luke Baker
This has been a nervy start for Celtic. McGregor the latest to give the ball away in his own half and Penrice runs at the Bhoys defence but he’s crowded out. Appeals for a foul from the Gers fans but nothing doing.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic, 6 mins
12:08 , Luke Baker
This was the tifo unveiled by Rangers fans before kick-off, by the way. What a derby!
MISS! Rangers 0-0 Celtic, 4 mins
12:07 , Luke Baker
Almost disaster on his Old Firm debut for Sam Johnstone! He tries to clear the ball but it goes straight to Kevin Kelsy on the edge of the box.
The Venezuelan has a golden chance and lashes the ball goalwards but it flies wide. He has to hit the target and probably should score. Can’t be throwing away chances like that
Rangers 0-0 Celtic, 3 mins
12:05 , Luke Baker
Interestingly, Rangers are playing with a back three. That’s definitely a surprise - different to their normal back four.
A first robust tackle of the day! Makhanya goes in hard on Duran out on the Celtic right. It’s a foul and a talking-to for the South African by the ref
Rangers 0-0 Celtic, 2 mins
12:04 , Luke Baker
Rangers with a promising start and the ball is lofted across to Gassama on the left. He cuts inside and curls a ball into the box but it bounces through where Sam Johnstone in the Celtic goal (playing his first Old Firm) collects
KICK-OFF! Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:02 , Luke Baker
And we’re underway at Ibrox. A great atmosphere, as you’d expect, even without any Celtic fans
Rangers v Celtic team news
11:57 , Luke Baker
Only a couple of minutes until kick-off now. Here’s a reminder of this afternoon’s team news.
Derek McInnes’ first Rangers XI for an Old Firm clash sees Kevin Kelsy preferred to Findlay Curtis out wide and Dan Neil captains the side from defensive midfield, with Cammy Devlin only on the bench.
Meanwhile, Martin O’Neill has dropped the impressive Haissem Hassan, with Sebastian Tounekti starting on the left instead. Sam Johnstone retains his place in goal ahead of Viljami Sinisalo after making his debut on Wednesday, Cameron Carter-Vickers is back in the heart of defence after missing out entirely in midweek and Kieran Tierney has also recovered from injury.
Rangers XI: Pandur; Sterling, Fernandez, Makhanya, Penrice; Raskin, Neil; Kim, Gassama, Kelsy; Naderi
Celtic XI: Johnstone; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Baur Nygren; Duran, Hogh, Tounekti
Why are away fans banned this afternoon?
11:53 , Luke Baker
As a reminder, Celtic fans won’t be present this afternoon after disruption at the Scottish Cup quarter-final between the teams at Ibrox last season.
Here’s a full explainer on the situation:
Why are away fans banned at the Rangers v Celtic Old Firm derby this afternoon?
Emmanuel Fernandez: 'We know it's a big game'
11:48 , Luke Baker
Rangers centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez has spoken to Premier Sports ahead of the game and he acknowledges the magnitude of the fixture
🔵 @RangersFC's Emmanuel Fernandez shares his thoughts ahead of this afternoon's derby
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 13, 2026
"It's a big game and we know it's a big game. We need to be at our best today to win this game." 🗣️#PremierSportsCup pic.twitter.com/NFedtMLzPZ
Rangers fans up for the Old Firm
11:44 , Luke Baker
Of course, there are no Celtic fans in attendance at Ibrox today but that doesn’t mean Rangers supporters aren’t up for it
Cameron Carter-Vickers discusses this afternoon's clash
11:37 , Luke Baker
Celtic centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers has been chatting to Premier Sports ahead of kick-off
🍀 @CelticFC's Cameron Carter-Vickers speaks ahead of today's quarter-final clash at Ibrox
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) September 13, 2026
"We need a good performance to get through and that's what we're planning to do" 🗣️#PremierSportsCup pic.twitter.com/ltzu1w1FNB
WATCH: Fans clash on pitch after Celtic knock Rangers out of cup on penalties
11:27 , Luke Baker
Here’s the reason why there are no away fans at Ibrox today. The carnage that occurred during the the Scottish Cup clash between the sides last season
Preparations underway at Ibrox
11:15 , Luke Baker
Excitement is building for the first Old Firm of the season as Ibrox gets ready
BBC rules Pat Nevin’s punch claim during Celtic pitch invasion ‘fell below editorial standards’
11:06 , Luke Baker
Pat Nevin’s comments during a pitch invasion in Celtic’s 3-1 victory against Hearts on the final day of the William Hill Scottish Premiership season "fell below editorial standards of accuracy", the BBC has concluded.
Nevin had already apologised after claiming "two or three" Celtic supporters had punched Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland during live co-commentary for BBC Radio 5 Live.
The former Scotland winger was detailing chaotic scenes at Celtic Park as home fans flooded the pitch to celebrate Callum Osmand’s decisive goal, which helped the Hoops secure the title. His remarks prompted complaints from listeners and, following a BBC inquiry, were determined to be incorrect. He apologised for his mistake last month in his BBC newsletter.
BBC rules Pat Nevin’s Celtic comments ‘fell below editorial standards’
Celtic team news
10:58 , Luke Baker
Here’s how Celtic will line up today.
A bit of a surprise in that the impressive Haissem Hassan has been dropped, with Sebastian Tounekti preferred. Tounekti isn’t necessarily universally popular with Celtic fans...
Tounekti is likely to play on the left, with Camilo Duran on the right and record signing Kasper Hogh through the centre.
Sam Johnstone retains his place in goal ahead of Viljami Sinisalo after making his debut on Wednesday, Cameron Carter-Vickers is back in the heart of defence after missing out entirely in midweek and Kieran Tierney has also recovered from injury
Celtic XI: Johnstone; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Baur Nygren; Duran, Hogh, Tounekti.
📋 Your Celtic team for the #PremierSportsCup Glasgow Derby ⤵️#RANCEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/96CUSDhUxx
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 13, 2026
Rangers team news
10:53 , Luke Baker
Right, team news news has dropped. First up, here’s Rangers, with Derek McInnes selecting his first Old Firm line-up.
The XI is more or less as expected, although Kevin Kelsy is preferred to Findlay Curtis out wide and Dan Neil captains the side from defensive midfield, with Cammy Devlin only on the bench. Ryan Naderi leads the line
Rangers XI: Pandur; Sterling, Fernandez, Makhanya, Penrice; Raskin, Neil; Kim, Gassama, Kelsy; Naderi
💙 Our Starting XI at Ibrox.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) September 13, 2026
📋 Team News | https://t.co/8EWpveSBva pic.twitter.com/I1M5ats4H9
Olwethu Makhanya eager to experience Old Firm
10:45 , Luke Baker
Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya, who signed from Philadelphia Union this summer has said he is relishing the opportunity to play in his first Old Firm.
The South African said: “I think everyone understands what this fixture means to the club, to the fans and everyone. I am really excited and looking forward to it.
“There has been a lot of talking about the fixture, about the history of the derby, but I don't really look into all that. I just know that it is going to be a very passionate game, and I am just excited to be part of it.
“Of course we just have to try and do our job and deliver because we know the fans are going to be behind us, so we are going to use them as an encouragement.
“Also understand that we are also doing it for them; they are going to be very helpful for us.”
Martin O'Neill reveals 'timely reminder' given to Celtic by police
10:35 , Luke Baker
Ahead of this afternoon’s clash, manager Martin O’Neill says Celtic had a visit from Police Scotland on Friday to give them “a timely reminder” about their “general behaviour” during the clash.
“We had the police come in today, just a little 15-minute meeting to remind us of our behaviour, which I think is a timely reminder,” O’Neill revealed.
“They didn’t mention this, but I would have assumed that one of the things that would be considered is what happens in the field of play, because these things can be taken further.
“You don’t want any sort of punch-ups for a start. Secondly, you don’t want excessive celebrations, stuff like that. But I think it’s just the behaviour in the light of what has happened in recent fixtures. I think that the conversation with the police wouldn’t have taken place had not recent events been brought up to us.”
Why are away fans banned this afternoon?
10:28 , Luke Baker
Celtic and Rangers fans have been banned from attending away matches between the Old Firm clubs in the Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup this season, which includes this afternoon’s Scottish League Cup quarter-final at Ibrox.
The “temporary arrangement” follows the disruption at the Scottish Cup quarter-final between the teams at Ibrox last season, which has led to behind-closed-doors punishments for both clubs in their next home fixture in that competition.
An independent review into the Scottish Cup match at Ibrox found that that “crushing” and “life-threatening violence” were narrowly avoided after Rangers fans stormed the pitch to confront Celtic supporters who had spilled onto the field in celebration.
Read a full explainer on the ban”
Why are away fans banned at the Rangers v Celtic Old Firm derby this afternoon?
Early Celtic team news
10:21 , Luke Baker
Celtic’s record signing Kasper Hogh made his return from injury in the 1-0 win at St Johnstone, while Kieran Tierney is nearing a return and could be back in time for the Old Firm.
Martin O’Neill made several changes in midweek, including handing a debut to goalkeeper Sam Johnstone over Viljami Sinisalo, while Cameron Carter-Vickers is expected to be available after being left out entirely on Wednesday
Celtic XI: Johnstone; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Tierney, McGregor, Baur, Nygren, Duran, Hogh, Yang
Early Rangers team news
10:16 , Luke Baker
Rangers captain Lawrence Shankland has been ruled out for months because of a hamstring tear. It’s a further blow for Rangers with striker Youssef Chermiti already out with a hamstring injury.
New signing Daisuke Yokota is also out with a hamstring issue while left back Tuur Rommens is getting closer to a return but won’t be available yet.
Rangers XI: Pandur; Sterling, Fernandez, Makhanya, Penrice; Raskin, Devlin; Curtis, Kim, Gassama; Naderi
How to watch Rangers v Celtic
10:15 , Luke Baker
The Scottish League Cup quarter-final between Rangers and Celtic kicks off at Ibrox at 12pm BST this afternoon.
It will be shown live in the UK on the Premier Sports 1 and the Premier Sports Player.
Rangers v Celtic
10:14 , Luke Baker
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of Rangers v Celtic in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals.
It’s the first Old Firm of the season and there are no away fans at Ibrox after the disorder between the clubs last season
