SPL: Rangers settle in opening exchanges

Celtic 0, Rangers 0 (latest)

The visitors seemed to settle more quickly than the champions as Rangers have seen plenty of possession in the opening exchanges.

Celtic goalkeeper Robert Douglas, who was so impressive in Spain, was called into action after just three minutes to prevent Rangers from taking an early lead.

A Claudio Reyna cross was flicked on by Ronald de Boer and Ross hit a fierce right-foot volley which the former Dundee man had to push past the upright.

Michael Ball, in his first Old Firm derby, went into the book in the ninth minute for a rash challenge on Henrik Larsson, but Rangers were able to clear Petta’s dangerous free-kick.

Celtic were again under pressure in the 11th minute as Johan Mjallby got left for dead by the turn of Arveladze, but Tore Andre Flo was unable to direct his header on target.

Moments later, Stefan Klos needed to be alert to save Larsson’s long-range effort before Lubo Moravcik joined Ball in referee Michael McCurry’s book for a silly tackle on Arveladze.

Hartson was also shown the yellow card in the 17th minute, but the Welshman was unfortunate as he touched the ball in the sliding challenge on Ball.

Rangers looked the more threatening side in attack and Celtic breathed a sigh of relief in the 18th minute as Arevladze flicked on Reyna’s corner, but Mjallby cleared the danger.