Cameo role for Shane Duffy as Rangers beat ten-man Celtic to move 19 points clear

Duffy has found gametime hard to come by following a difficult start to his loan spell at Parkhead. Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)

Shane Duffy played the final 25 minutes as ten-man Celtic fell to 1-0 Old Firm defeat away to Rangers, a result that leaves them 19 points behind in the title race.

The Republic of Ireland international was introduced following the dismissal of Nir Bitton for denying a goalscoring opportunity and Rangers hit the front just five minutes later.

Duffy has found gametime hard to come by following a difficult start to his loan spell at Parkhead and was kept on the bench by the converted midfielder Bitton.

He was called into action midway through the second half, however, as the Israeli was shown a straight red card for a professional foul.

Rangers failed to register a shot on target for the entire 90 minutes but won thanks to a fortuitous own goal.

Captain-for-the-day Callum McGregor deflected the ball into his own goal from James Tavernier corner as Steven Gerrard’s side all but ended Celtic’s hopes of a historic tenth successive title.

Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis played all 90 minutes for the Ibrox side, who have conceded just one goal in their 11 home league victories this season.

They had to be thankful to the talismanic Allan MacGregor, who kept Rangers in the game in the first half with a string of fine saves.

The former Scotland international touched a Leigh Griffiths effort bound for the top corner around the post, while he was also at full stretch to deny Griffiths and Odsonne Édouard early on.



Rangers hung in there and, despite not registering a shot on target in the first hour, saw Celtic reduced to ten men when Bitton hauled down Alfredo Morales as he ran through on goal.

Ianis Hagis was inches from putting Rangers in front from the resulting free kick, but another fine Tavernier delivery was flicked by Joe Aribo onto McGregor with 20 minutes left.

Celtic had chances to strike back, with sub Mohamed Elyounoussi putting a spectacular volley onto the roof of the net.

Duffy was booked for a reckless lunge on Ryan Kent as the game became disjointed and, when Connor Goldson blocked Édouard’s late effort, Rangers could feel one hand on the league trophy.

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