derby showdown in glasgow cup final

David Friel
THE season has just started, but some things never change as Celtic and Rangers’ Under-18 sides get set to meet tonight (Thursday, 7.30pm) in the final of the Glasgow Cup.

Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld will be the venue for the derby clash and the importance of the match will not be lost on John McLaughlan’s youngsters.

After finishing third in the prestigious EuroFoot Tournament in Belgium last week, Celtic will be out to build on their promising start to the season and coach McLaughlan is looking forward to the match.

He said: “I’m happy with the fitness of the boys and they gave a good account of themselves over in Belgium. We’ve prepared in the right way for this game and hopefully they will go out and show what they can do."

Full-back Grant Gallagher is expected to start for Celtic and admitted the young Hoops see this match as an ideal opportunity to showcase their talents.

He said: “Every derby game is special and if there is silverware involved, that makes it twice as important.

“I’ve been told stories about the trophy and how important it is. It looks amazing and it'd be great to win. It’d be great to follow in the footsteps of some of the famous people who have won it.

“It definitely encourages me to see the players who have come through and have moved onto the bigger stage and it would be great to follow them.”

Glasgow Cup Final
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Celtic v Rangers (Youths)
Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld
Kick-off 7.30pm
Admission: £5 for adults, free for concessions.