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Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

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‘Big miss’, ‘Devastating’: These Celtic fans lament key man’s absence from lineup for Rangers cup tie

Adam Miller
Adam Miller

Celtic supporters have reacted with frustration to confirmation that James Forrest will miss today’s Scottish Cup fourth round tie against Rangers at Ibrox.

Forrest has looked sharp since returning from a lengthy lay-off, but he misses out again today after going off with an injury in the second half of last Saturday’s 6-0 win over Livingston at Celtic Park.

Scott Brown captains the side, in what will be his penultimate derby before taking up a player-coach role at Aberdeen next season.

Today represents a chance for Celtic to secure their first victory over Rangers during this campaign.

Neil Lennon’s side were extremely disappointing in the season’s first derby, putting in a meek performance at Celtic Park in October as Connor Goldson’s double earned the visitors a 2-0 win.

They turned in a significantly better performance at Ibrox in January, but Nir Bitton’s red card on 62 minutes changed the game’s complexion and Callum McGregor’s own goal eight minutes later meant Steven Gerrard’s side finished 1-0 winners.

Under Kennedy last month, the home side went 1-0 up at Celtic Park thanks to Moi Elyounoussi’s diving header. Alfredo Morelos, however, scored his first derby goal to ensure it finished 1-1.

FULL CELTIC LINEUP

STARTING XI: Bain, Brown, Turnbull, Kenny, Christie, Edouard, Elyounoussi, Ajer, McGregor, Welsh, Laxalt

SUBS: Barkas, Taylor, Bitton, Griffiths, Ajeti, Soro, Rogic, Montgomery, Ralston

Here’s a flavour of how Celtic supporters are responding to .