Spence is the goal hero as youth side beats Rangers.

A golden goal from the prolific Grieg Spence earned Celtic a 1-0 win over Rangers to put Stevie Frail's u-19 side into pole position to lift the SPL title.

With just seven minutes left to play the former Alloa striker timed his run to the front post perfectly to connect with a Richie Towell cross to give Celtic a richly deserved win at Murray Park.

The result puts Celtic seven points clear of Rangers with just four games left to play and although the Ibrox side have got two games in hand the destination of the championship is in Celtic's hands.

Youth coach Stevie Frail said: "We're delighted with the win, it's a tough place to come but we had a game plan, the players stuck to it and we're thrilled with the three points and also the performance.

"At times we had to be more direct, you can't play football all the time but ultimately we got three hard earned points.

"We've told the boys that nothing is won today, the game is over, we've picked up three points and we'll be in tomorrow working hard for the Falkirk match next week.

"They are young boys and they'll naturally be high after coming to their rivals ground and winning well. They need to temper things however and make sure that they are ready for the next match.

"We got three points today and we have to focus now on the game at Falkirk which will be just as tough."

Celtic started with the team that had beaten Livingston in midweek to reach the final of the SFA Youth Cup and enjoyed the bulk of possession throughout the first half.

Rangers were content to defend in depth with only two inswinging free kicks from Sean Fitzharris causing them any real concern.

The best chances of the first period came in the final minute when a snap shot from the Rangers Rhys McCabe came back off the post before Celtic raced to the other end of the park with Spence turning well onto a Paul Slane pass but finding his shot held by the Rangers 'keeper.

Within a minute of the restart James Keatings struck the post with Celtic upping the tempo and forcing Rangers further back without carving out much in the way of clear cut chances.

The match was following a familiar pattern with Celtic finding it almost impossible to break through the well organised Rangers defence.

With sixteen minutes left to play Darren McCauley replaced Keatings who seemed to take a bad blow on the ankle with Rangers almost snatching the lead in the 78th minute when Archie Campbell escaped from Declan Gallagher only to find Towell heading his net-bound shot round the post.

In the 83rd minute Celtic made the decisive breakthrough thanks to Spence.

After being forced across the Rangers 18 yard box Callum Bagshaw exchanged passes with Towell on the right with Spence timing his run to perfection to slide in at the front post to net before being mobbed by his jubilant team-mates.

"It was a well worked goal and something that we've been working on," Frail explained.

"We knew that the Rangers goalkeeper is good coming out for crosses so we wanted balls played in hard and low.

"Richie Towell put in a good cross and it was a great finish from Greig Spence. Greig did well to get across the front and get his touch in.

"We had a similar incident on Wednesday against Livingston when Richie opted to shoot rather than square the ball to Greig, but he put across a fantastic ball today and it was a great finish from Greig.

"The overall manner of the performance was great and I felt that Greig was exceptional playing up on his own.

"He held the ball up well, led the line and scored a well deserved goal.

"If we had lost today we'd have been hoping that Rangers slip up, we won the match and that is part of players development.

"Part of a players development is being involved in games like this where it is all about gaining the three points."

Celtic played out the remaining minutes expertly with the ball played into the corners to eat up precious time. 

RANGERS: Adam; Durie, Cole, Scott, Wylde; McCabe (Dick), Wiktorski, Hutton (McAusland), Ness, Naismith (Wright); Campbell

Subs: Weir, McGeouch, McNeil

CELTIC: Guardino; Towell, D Gallagher, Hughes, Lowden; Bagshaw, G Gallagher, Keatings (McCauley 74); Slane, Spence, Fitzharris.
SUBS: Kennedy, F Twardzik, Marsden, Jones, McGregor, O'Donell 

Testing times for McStay at Ujpest

Former Celt Willie McStay takes Ujpest Dozsa to face third bottom Haladas this afternoon facing the toughest times of his management career.

Four defeats out of five since the end of the winter break, and a first leg defeat in the semi finals of the Magya Cup, have saw Ujpest slip out of contention for the title and battling for a European spot.

While their rivals strengthened their squads during the three month winter break hoping to follow Debrecen into the Champions League Ujpest had to make to do attempting to hold on to their players.

A run of injuries and suspensions has had a major impact on McStay's options.

Captain Peter Kovac's goals helped drive the club up the table in the first part of the season but McStay is looking for the rest of his side to roll up their sleaves and grind out some wins before the return leg of their Magyar Cup semi-final away to ZTE on April 14.

He said: "Things have been tough since the season resumed, there has been a few factors but the only way to resolve things is to work harder on the park.

"We've got a small group of players and we've asked a lot of them but to be successful they have to push themselves further.

"There hasn't been much luck around recently but you have to keep working hard and believing in yourselves to turn things round.

"Every mistake seems to be getting punished but we have to be sharper in front of goal and tighter at the back, we've had chances to win matches but haven't been decisive enough.

"Against Haladas we need 100% concentration and determination, we need to fight for everything.

"They have some good attacking options but we need to win to pick things up again for the league and cup."

Celtic u-19s v Rangers 1pm today!

Frail's bhoys ready for Rangers title crunch

Youth boss Stevie Frail isn't planning to change his side's attacking instincts for tomorrow's Murray Park clash with Rangers.

Celtic lost 2-1 to Rangers at home last month despite having the bulk of possession giving Rangers a slight edge in the title race.

The Ibrox side put up an impressive defensive barrier in front of goalkeeper Grant Adams and took their chances with second half goals from Archie Campbell and Kane Hemmings before Bahrudin Atajic scored a late goal for Celtic.

It was almost a re-run of some classic mid-nineties clashes between the teams at first team level when Tommy Burns side tended to emerge with a moral win with the points going to Ibrox.

Frail's side is geared towards attacking football with the former Hearts boss convinced that only some minor changes are required to succeed tomorrow.

He said: "There are one or two small things that we need to take from the last game with Rangers.

"But looking at it from an attacking point of view we don't think that there was a great deal wrong.

"Anyone who was at the game can see that we were a unfortunate not to win it. Rangers had a game plan, they stuck to it and got the points. We need to make sure that we have a game plan for Saturday and we take the points from them."

Frail added: "This is a huge game for us but it's a match that we feel we are eqipped to win.

"Rangers have had a few extra days to prepare after playing on Sunday but we'll be up for the match and ready.

"We only have ourselves to deal with, we believe that we have a group of young players who will take enormous heart from the win over Livingston in terms of confidence.

"It'll be tough going to Murray Park but whenever the lads put on a Celtic strip people are out to knock them down and it's the same for Rangers."

Captain Matty Hughes previews the match

Earlier Celtic-Rangers league match

SPL u-19 table

Matty Hughes prepares for double challenge

Youth team skipper Matty Hughes is primed for a double head-to-head with Rangers.

Tomorrow at Murray Park (kick-off 1pm) Celtic face their Ibrox counterparts with the teams neck and neck in the league and meeting in the final of the SFA Youth Cup.

Celtic go into the match four points ahead of Rangers who have two games in hand with the the finishing line in sight.

Both teams are on the back of winning their SFA Youth Cup semi final clashes with Hughes looking to inspire his side to victory.

"This is a massive game for us, we know that we need to win to push on for the league," admitted the former Rochdale defender.

"We have got business to settle with Rangers after they beat us at home last month, we're switched on for it after enjoying our win against Livingston.

"Both teams are in the same position looking at a potential double, it's make or break on Saturday and hopefully it will go our way, we're going into the match positively.

"We're playing really well just now. The coaching staff has got us going and the team has bonded really well, there's a great togetherness and that's what's pushing us through to the end of the season."

Hughes missed the first half of the season through injury but was given the captain's armband when he returned in February and has formed an instant partnership in central defence with Declan Gallagher.

Last season was something of a write-off for the young Englishman due to injury but after regaining full fitness he's loving the cut and thrust of the double chase.

Hughes added: "I injured my ankle ligaments in pre-season then came back after the winter break in a few friendly matches and played against Dundee United in the quarter-final of the SFA Youth Cup.

"The injury was frustrating but we have a great medical staff that have worked with me and gave me some light at the end of the tunnel.

"They made sure that I came back when I was ready and now there are a couple of big prizes to play for.

"It's been a while since we were in a cup final, that was the target when we started in the competition.

"The team was on fire at the start of the season but I've got a good level of fitness and hope to keep pushing on till the end of the season."

Hughes added: "I need to keep pushing forward now in my career and get established in the reserve side and go further.

"I've been at Celtic for 18 months and it seems to have flown by, I've enjoyed it thoroughly and see my future here."

SPL u-19 table

Latvians sent out on loan to Brechin

Celtic's Latvia duo of Anton Kurakins (20) and Krisjanis Vallers (19) have gone out on loan to Brechin City until the end of the season.

Both players have been regulars in this season's development squad but will now benefit from regular first team football at Glebe Park.

Brechin are currently sitting in fourth place in Division Two, ten points behind leaders Alloa but have two games in hand.

Former Celt Jim Duffy is in charge of Brechin and is likely to start with both players in Saturday's home match against Peterhead.

Already out on loan from Celtic is Cillian Sheridan (St Johnstone), Mark Millar (Ujpest Dozsa), Simon Ferry (Swindon), Graham Carey (St. Mirren), Ben Hutchinson (Dundee), Ryan Conroy (Partick Thistle), Danny Lafferty (Ayr Utd).

Youths book final date with Rangers

Stevie Frail was delighted to see his Celtic side beat Livingston and book a final place against Rangers in the SFA Youth Cup.

Greig Spence's 10th minute goal was the difference between the two teams with Livi pushing Celtic all the way in a bid to take the match into extra-time.

Semi-finals are often described as 'tense, nervous affairs' with tonight's game matching that description perfectly.

The victory sets the season up nicely with Celtic and Rangers both knowing that winning their remaining matches will guarantee a league and cup double.

Although falling some way short of their best form Frail was pleased with the determination and discipline that his players showed to steer their way into the final.

He said: "We got to a cup final, all the pressure and expectations were on us. Players have their own expectations, their families were there to watch the game and that adds extra pressure.

"Players need to know that if they are going to make it at Celtic that there is expectations on them every single game of their career.

"They have to stand up and take it when teams are coming at them, everyone wants to beat Celtic."

Spence got Celtic off to the perfect start when he bundled the ball into the net from close range after Matty Hughes had headed a Sean Fitzharris corner back across goal.

Paul Slane, a January signing from Motherwell, made his first appearance of the season for the u-19 side and looked impressive with his turn of pace and close control.

Despite having the bulk of possession chances were few and far between with only a couple of useful looking crosses from the wings to test the Livingston defence.

At times Celtic got close to hitting form but the final delivery wasn't quite upto scratch although Sean Fitzharris had two decent second half penalty claims ignored by the referee.

"There was lots to be pleased about from the performance but equally there is a lot that we need to work at," Frail added.

"We did a lot of things well from middle to front but the final ball and decision making was a bit of a let down, however ultimately we're really pleased to be in the final.

"I think that Paul Slane became more influential as the game developed, he showed a lot in the second half.

"We swapped him with Sean Fitzharris to get them having a go at the opposite full-backs. This was the first time that Paul has worked with most of the players.

"He can be pleased with his performance, we're pleased with his performance, everything that he brought to the game enhanced what we have."
 CELTIC: Giordano; Towell, Hughes, D. Gallagher, Lowdon; Bagshaw, G Gallagher, Keatings; Fitzharris, Spence (F. Twardzik 83), Slane (McGregor 90)

Youth's focus on Livi challenge

Celtic's youth side will put thoughts of Rangers to one side when they face Livingston in the semi-final of the SFA Youth Cup at Celtic Park tomorrow night, kick off 7pm.

Stevie Frail's side face Rangers in a vital league match on Saturday with the Ibrox kids having already booking their place in the Youth Cup Final with a 1-0 win over St Mirren on Sunday.

Celtic go into tomorrow's match on the back of three straight wins in the league against Falkirk, St Johnstone and Motherwell with Frail warning his players that Livingston will be tough opponents.

He said: "We've had Livingston watched and they have impressed us, they are well worth their place in the semi-finals of this competition.

"They are top of the SFL u-19s and top scorers, in the last round they won away from home against Hibs who are the cup holders.

"Livingston have got a good set-up at youth level and have developed Graham Dorrens, Robert Snodgrass and Leigh Griffiths in recent seasons.

"We've got plenty of talented players as well and they are all looking forward to playing at Celtic Park. We like to play an attacking style and the boys will enjoy making use of the space.

"Everyone coming along can expect to see a good game, we've got a lot of exciting players who are capable of progressing further.

"I don't like singling individuals out because all of the players are capable of making an impact in the game.

"We've got a few players coming back from injury which is good to see. There's a lot of competition for places in the side and that brings out the best in the players."

SPL u-19 league Rangers v Celtic, Saturday, 1pm kick-off Murray Park

Smith confused over appeals process

Rangers boss Walter Smith appears to have aimed some criticism at the SFA over Kevin Thompson's failed appeal after being sent off against St Mirren.

Smith is smart enough to say the right phrases without overstepping the mark knowing that his audience and the public in general can read between the lines.

Crucial to today's comments is the phrase 'I'm happy, as long as, in the future, every club is dealt with in the same manner.

"By that I mean when an appeal goes in, they will have an answer within minutes."

The rules and workings of the SFA can be a bit of a mystery at times but when it comes to discipline there are a few clear matters.

The crucial difference is between incidents disciplined by the match referee or others drawn to the attention of the mysterious, secrative Review Panel.

Any club can appeal against a red card issued during a match

Last season Stuart Dougal recognised his error in sending off Madjid Bougherra for a reckless lunge on Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield. The appeal was upheld and Bougherra was made available for Rangers game at Dundee United.

Celtic attempted to appeal Scott Brown's red card at Ibrox last month, they made their appeal on the same day as the red card. Before their next match the appeal was rejected.

With orderings off the SFA give a verdict before the next match regardless of whether the 'appealing' clubs appeals on the day of the decision or just minutes before closing time at the SFA on the next match day.

Less transparent is the mysterious Review Panel. In successive games last season Celtic's Glenn Loovens and Scott McDonald had incidents put in front of the Review Panel.

The case against McDonald was dismissed however Loovens was given a one match ban which Celtic appealed.

That appeal was dismissed four months after the incident prompting Celtic to publically ask the SFA for clarification on the Review Panel.

To date it is unclear if the club has received an answer with reports that Morten Rasmussen and Kilmarnock's Fraser Wright have been reported to the Review Panel further clouding the issue.

Clarity from the SFA and bringing disciplinary matters into the 21st century would be welcome, a Review Panel meeting at Hampden every Monday morning to look through all SPL matches would do a lot to remove suspicions.