MUCH was made of Willie Collum being named referee for today's crucial Rangers vs Celtic match. But the official proved why he is held in such high esteem by the SFA with an excellent showing at Ibrox. 

The referee kept his cards in his pocket in the first-half and did his best to allow the match to flow. He was firm when he needed to be and got the big calls right.

Just three minutes in and Rangers were ahead through Aaron Ramsey's strike, and it was an easy award with no issues in the build-up.

The same can be said for Celtic's quick response as Tom Rogic pounced on a rebound toe fire home. 

But Collum did have a decision to make with 33 minutes on the clock. Joe Aribo looked to burst into the box but went down as Carl Starfelt put the pressure on. There was nothing in it and Collum was right to wave play on.

Seven minutes later and it was Celtic appealing for a spot-kick. Daizen Maeda knocked the ball past Allan McGregor before going down in the area.

Replays appeared to show McGregor didn't touch the ball but equally hinted Maeda's fall was delayed. While there was contact it was just about the right call to wave play one. That's not to say VAR wouldn't have intervened if it were in use.

Two minutes before the break and Celtic went in-front as Cameron Carter-Vickers fired home from close range. John Lundstram was booked moments earlier as he slammed into a challenge on Giorgos Giakoumakis. 

It was an easy call for Collum with the unnecessary challenge punished by the caution then by Celtic taking the lead.

On the hour and Collum again denied Rangers claims for a penalty. Ryan Jack looked to cross but his ball hit Carter-Vickers on the arm. Replays showed clear contact but the defender's arm was by his side.

Four minutes later and Giakoumakis and Carter-Vickers would be booked. The striker was cautioned for a rash tackle on Jack when the ball had already gone. Carter-Vickers then saw yellow for cleaing out Kemar Roofe.

Nir Bitton would be next in the book for a clumsy foul on Lundstram, again Collum was on the mark with his call.

Anthony Ralston would be last to see yellow in the derby clash. He clattered into a poor tackle on Kent with two minutes left, and Collum duly produced the yellow card.