Six Rangers academy bright sparks in Celtic defeat

Sunday’s defeat in the Scottish Cup semi-final intensified the demand for alteration amid an acceptance that Michael Beale’s current squad has reached the end of the road.

It remains to be seen how many of the current first-team will remain next season but the Youth Cup Final allowed fans a glimpse of the future.

Rangers' run to the Hampden showpiece was flawless with four clean sheets in as many games but they were unable to retain their crown after being edged out by Celtic in an 11-goal thriller after extra-time.

It was a brilliant encounter at the national stadium and both sides deserve immense credit for their commitment to delivering attacking, free-flowing football - even if the defending left a lot to be desired.

With the NBA play-offs having only recently commenced in the USA the game was reminiscent of a basketball encounter, especially during a frenetic first half.

Bailey Rice looked to dictate the game from deep in Steph Curry fashion, with Archie Stevens embarking on menacing forward runs like Jamal Murray.

There were clear signs of the way football is evolving in the modern era with Rangers looking to build play from defence as they progressed the ball bravely, even under pressure.

The back four looked more comfortable in possession than out of it, which is increasingly prevalent in modern defenders but Celtic’s constant joy down their left was a huge problem.

Bailey Rice and Zak Lovelace were the two standout names in Cameron Campbell’s starting eleven after making their first team debuts this season.

There’s been a clamour for Beale to utilise Lovelace during Rangers' remaining Scottish Premiership fixtures and while his talent is unquestionable, it’s imperative to urge patience over his development as he’s not yet the finished article, despite continuing to show huge promise.

READ MORE: Rangers' Cameron Campbell addresses Zak Lovelace red against Celtic

Despite the absence of supporters, it simply wouldn’t be an Old Firm fixture without a sprinkling of controversy and it centred around Lovelace.

The 17-year-old hit the deck in the Celtic box on three occasions in the second-half, resulting in one penalty and two bookings - with his dismissal on 85 minutes hugely controversial.

The decision to award Rangers a penalty could be viewed as soft but Lovelace’s first booking, in particular, was ridiculous while his second sparked huge debate.

Far from a ‘shocking dive’ - as Richard Foster proclaimed - Lovelace was unfortunate as there was contact from the Celtic defender.

The theory that former players becoming referees could improve the standard of officiating has lingered for years and that argument was put under the spotlight with Sean Murdoch - a former professional with Hibernian and Dunfermline - the man to dismiss Lovelace to the bemusement of Rangers boss Campbell.

He said: “It one hundred percent turns the game. If you look at it, we are in the ascendancy and in my view I thought it could have a penalty.

“If you look at the nature of when it happened and the score when it happened, it totally turns the game, there is no question about that.

“Zak is saying there is contact. You have got to remember as well, when players are running at that speed, when someone comes into your path, unless you are wanting players to stand and take a massive contact, the players have to do something to try and avoid an injury.

“It is really difficult when you are running at that speed. I think it is a really harsh decision and it is something we will look to appeal.

“He is ok. The boys have got around him and this is where it is about being a team. It is not an individual sport and the boys have to go and help him out at this moment.”

Lovelace’s dismissal undoubtedly altered the game as Celtic capitalised on their man advantage to seal a 6-5 win in ET after it finished 4-4 at full-time.

To dwell upon a contentious decision would be neglectful - and depressingly ubiquitous in Scottish football - to a riveting final.

Jack Roberts led the line superbly, netting a brace and he was a constant threat behind the Celtic defence with his excellent movement, as demonstrated in a well-taken opener.

Rangers' second goal was arguably the best of all eleven after a slick counterattack involving Rice and Lovelace culminated in Roberts tapping home.

Archie Stevens also impressed with his directness and he capped an impressive performance with a virtuoso goal just before half-time.

Kerr Robertson remains one to keep an eye on when he develops physically and Finlay Curtis’ celebrations after dispatching a composed penalty drew a few chuckles.

It was perhaps a sign of times that Curtis diverted his joy away from his initial destination to embark on a knee slide after spotting the pitchside photographers.

Unfortunately, supporters were restricted but a number of Rangers academy kids attempted to inject some atmosphere as they belted out a few Ibrox classics in wholesome scenes.

When the dust settles, Rangers will take some solace from their attacking display but boss Campbell displayed impressive maturity as he explained why the manner of defeat will never be acceptable at a club with such expectations.

He stressed: “We have lost a cup final that we felt was in our grasp and we deserved to go and win for large parts of the game. Every single player is hurting.

“There are definitely positives out of the game if you look at our attacking play but you can’t stand here and look at the positives when we have just conceded six goals against Celtic in a cup final. That is just not the case.

“The days for reflecting and picking apart the game will come but right now it is more about managing the players’ emotions and getting them to deal with these situations as they occur.”