Borussia Dortmund will be in town for the Europa League knock-out second leg at Ibrox, where Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s league champions enjoy a two-goal advantage at the halfway stage following last week’s pulsating 4-2 win in Germany. It’s an eagerly anticipated night on Edmiston Drive for the Rangers support- and Alfredo Morelos who could go clear of his Colombian counterpart Radamel Falcao in the competition’s goalscoring charts if he finds the net as he did once – and almost twice - last week as he continues his European scoring record bid.
Celtic trail by a similar two-goal margin to the Bundesliga Borussaa as they head to Norway to face Bodo/Glimt in the Conference league – and the trip to the Arctic Circle won’t be easy for Ange Postecoglou’s side either – especially with the wintery weather predicted which has already played a part in Celtic’s pre-match preparations for the crucial clash.
As the countdown to each big game continues, more and more players and pundits are having their say – on the squads and the game – and many are insisting that both are in the balance with 90 minutes gone, and 90 minutes still to play – and the away goals rule abolished means more chance of extra-time and penalties if either deficit can be levelled.
It will all transpire on Thursday evening when Celtic kick off in the Arctic Circle in the tea-time kick-off before Rangers’ big night at 8pm.
Staying on the continent, there has been some speculation in Spain over a Scotland star and in England, another has received some news on his playing prospects.
Closer to home, the VAR debate continues with more talks on the analysis system planned for next week – timely given then incidents that prompted several talking points in Sunday’s matches between the Old Firm and the two Dundee teams.
That, and much more, is making the headlines on Wednesday, February 23. Scroll through for the latest news, views and stories, below.
5. In demand
Hearts' Finlay Pollock may be offered a route to more regular first-team football in League One with East Fife among the clubs keen on his signature ahead of next week's loan deadline day (Edinburgh Evening News) Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
6. Patterson chance
Frank Lampard has insisted Nathan Patterson will get his chance in the Toffees' top team with games coming up against Manchester City an Borehamwood in the FA Cup. The Scottish right-back has yet to make his first-team debut since a move from Rangers worth in excess of £12m. (Daily Record) Photo: Ian MacNicol
7. Record awaits
Alfredo Morelos could emulate his hero and Colombia compatriot Radamel Falcao with one more goal in the UEFA Europa League. The striker is joint-third in the competition's scoring charts with the former Monaco, Chelsea and Man Utd player through each of its incarnations as UEFA Cup and Europa League. Henrik Larsson holds the record. (The Scotsman) Photo: RUSSELL CHEYNE
8. Captain material
Ross McCrorie has signed a new contract at Aberdeen and been hailed as 'future captain material' by new boss Jim Goodwin (The Scotsman) Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group