Old Firm Legends

Mar 30 2008 By Michael Baillie And Scott Mcdermott

Big Names With The Big Verdict

SANDY JARDINE revealed how the first thought of the Rangers stars after their vital Old Firm win was "the title's not won yet".

The 59-year-old former Ibrox hero - who works at the club as a marketing manager - was as delighted as any Gers fans after Kevin Thomson's goal sealed a crucial victory over Gordon Strachan's men.

Jardine admits the win has put Rangers firmly in the driving seat for the title but said: "It's given us a huge advantage but I spoke with some of the players after the game and they know it's not won yet.

"We've got a packed fixture schedule and two trips to Parkhead so it's not over. Both teams knew it was all about the result today, not the performance and it wasn't one of Rangers' best this season. Celtic were slightly better in the first half but Rangers were by far the stronger side after that and always looked comfortable at 1-0."

Former Rangers wing wizard Mark Walters believes the solid Ibrox rearguard won the points for Walter Smith's side.

He said: "This was a huge win and I thought they achieved it through defending really well.

"To win a championship a strong defence is as important as as your attack. Carlos Cuellar was outstanding and he has been so important this season.

"I felt Walter tactically had the edge. Whenever Gordon tried to change anything Walter would counteract it. That's four-wins over Gordon for Walter and that record speaks for itself.

"Rangers have been so resolute in defence this season and it was the same again in this game.

"This Rangers side has different strengths from the one I played in. Now they are a good team built on defence, they break quickly into attack and it works.

"Rangers can only throw away the title now."

Former Celtic frontman Frank McGarvey still holds out hope for his old side in the title race despite yesterday's result.

He said: "It's very disappointing for Celtic and it will be tough for them to win the league but not impossible. It's not over yet as Rangers still have to go to Parkhead twice.

"I thought Celtic played well in the first half and were the better team but they lost the goal just before the interval and that floored them.

"It was a bad goal to lose as five defenders were in the middle and it's a one-two that goes through them. As a striker I'd have been going off my head.

"You have to ask questions of the Celtic defence, someone needs to go with the runner.

"I thought Gordon got his lineup and tactics right because Celtic were the better team in the first half. They created good chances but just didn't take them."

Lisbon Lion Tommy Gemmell also felt Celtic's lack of firepower let them down.

He said: "Celtic had most of the possession and were in control in the first half but you need to put the ball in the back of the net.

"They then lost a bad goal as nobody went with the runner and that's poor defending.

"After the goal Celtic never really threatened. I was surprised top goalscorer Scott McDonald (below) started on the bench. He may not have been playing well but he's a poacher and if he had got a chance in the box he'd have scored.

"They're really struggling now for the title. Although Rangers won't say it's over I'm sure they'll be doing cartwheels after this win."