Scott McDermott answers your calls and it’s a wild one as vents let rip as the title race takes another twist
12:06, 12 Feb 2026Updated 12:09, 12 Feb 2026
Nicolas Raskin and Ryan Naderi of Rangers dejected
You can’t beat the twists and turns of a proper title race.
After 75 minutes at Fir Park on Wednesday night, Rangers were laughing. A goal up against 10 man Motherwell, while Old Firm rivals Celtic were level with Livingston and on the verge of dropping points.
All of a sudden, up stepped Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to save the day and bag a winner with a debut goal for the Hoops. And in Lanarkshire, Celtic’s on-loan defender Stephen Welsh hit an equaliser for ‘Well to leave Gers with egg on their face.
So now, it’s Danny Rohl getting stick and on the other side of the city, they’re talking about statues. And we’re still only in mid-February. If you think the title race swings from one extreme to the other, it has nothing on the Hotline.
First up, David Beattie, Rothesay, said: “Stephen Welsh should get a statue outside the front door at Parkhead or an instant knighthood. That’s him a legend now.”
Charles Maxwell, Glasgow, said: “Well done agent Welsh! It’s beginning to look like Celtic have been more shrewd in January than they were given credit for. The signings are weighing in which is great to see, especially the Ox getting off the mark. Although if Celtic don’t at least ask the question of Jens Berthel Askou to be their next manager, it will be another dereliction of duty from Dermot Desmond and the board.”
Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs, said: “If Celtic manage to pull off the Double with this team, it will be a miracle performed by Martin O’Neill. He would deserve a statue outside the ground. And Oxlade-Chamberlain could be the touch of gold dust the team needs. I just hope the Celtic supporters give up their boycott and attend the remaining games in the league and Europe. The players need their support in the run-in to get them over the line.”
Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “Another win for the champs but once again we made hard work of it. The Ox came to the rescue and if he stays fit he’ll be a great addition. I don’t think many Rangers fans will be saying he’s past it now, especially after their ‘free-scoring’ team couldn’t beat 10-man Motherwell.”
Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “When will Rangers fans learn to pipe down? They’ve been running their mouths off all season after beating teams at the bottom of the table. They have no quality, a poor manager and no bottle unlike the champions who continue to score vital late winners.”
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: “It’s evident that the Ange Postecoglou mantra of ‘we never stop’ is still alive at Celtic Park. It was written in the stars for Oxlade-Chamberlain to be the match winner. If he was a bit younger, I’m convinced we’d have another Lubo Moravcik in our armoury.”
If one half of the Old Firm divide is delirious, it usually means the other half is utterly deflated. And for Rangers fans over the years, that’s been a familiar feeling.
Jamie Thompson, Glasgow, said: “What a bunch of clowns. Motherwell with 10 men still outplayed these Rangers players. Youssef Chermiti is lazy, slow and offers nothing. Rangers were useless.”
Motherwell’s Stephen Welsh celebrates
Lewis Fotheringham, Mount Ellen, said: “Wednesday night was a turning point in the title race with Celtic scoring a late goal and us bottling it at Motherwell. Rohl picked the wrong team. I don’t know how many times it needs to be said – Chermiti is NOT a striker, never mind an £8 million one.”
Gordon Blackwell, Glasgow, said: “Just like at Easter Road, it’s another two points dropped by fielding a weakened side. Jayden Meghoma and Djiedi Gassama are empty jerseys and for once Mo Diomande wasn’t the worst player on the park. Danny, please play your best teams at all times and stop tinkering with your selection. Given the competition, we should be top of the league, not languishing in third if Celtic win their game in hand.”
Rob Picken, London, was a bit more philosophical. He said: “It was a deserved draw for Motherwell and Rangers were lucky to get away with that. But there should be no panic. Beat Hearts on Sunday then beat ‘play as long as it takes to score FC’ in the Old Firm and they’ll be out of the equation. Rohl made mistakes with his selection but Rangers will be alright.”
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