Rangers thwart Celtic treble bid

Rangers defender Bert Konterman believes last night's Old Firm win against Celtic can be the turning point for the club and that…

Rangers defender Bert Konterman believes last night's Old Firm win against Celtic can be the turning point for the club and that the good times will return to Ibrox.

The CIS Insurance Cup semi-final at Hampden Park provided Rangers with their first victory over their city rivals in more than a year and stopped Celtic claiming six successive Old Firm wins.

Konterman's winning goal also ended any aspirations the Parkhead side had of claiming back-to-back domestic Trebles.

Rangers now have UEFA Cup ties to look forward to against Feyenoord, as well as another meeting with Celtic, in the coming weeks and the Dutchman is hoping last night's performance means the Govan side are back to their best now that Alex McLeish has taken over the managerial reigns.

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He said: "In the championship we have been playing well since Alex came, but we still have the games against Feyenoord to come and also a game against Celtic in the championship.

"This is a big win for Alex and only the future will tell if this is the big turning point for us, but we are ready for it and hopefully we can succeed."

Peter Lovenkrands put Rangers in the driving seat when he netted on the stroke of half-time but that was cancelled out by Bobo Balde after the break.

Shota Arveladze had the chance to reclaim the lead for Rangers from the penalty spot but blazed the ball over the crossbar and the tie eventually went into extra-time.

At the halfway point of extended play, Konterman unleashed a magnificent 25-yard shot that left Celtic goalkeeper Rab Douglas helpless.