- Rangers identify Hampus Skoglund as leading James Tavernier successor amid £2m transfer speculation.
- Derek McInnes linked to Celtic job but dismissed by ex-Rangers figures as unrealistic appointment.
- Peter Lovenkrands and Bob Malcolm stress Old Firm margins, mentality, and discipline will decide derby.
Rangers could already have identified a potential successor to James Tavernier, with Swedish defender Hampus Skoglund emerging as a leading candidate.
The 22-year-old right-back, currently with Hammarby, has been linked with a move to Ibrox on multiple occasions.
With Tavernier now confirming his departure, speculation around Skoglund’s arrival has intensified significantly.
Reports suggest a fee in the region of £2 million could be enough to secure his services this summer.
This is despite his contract running until 2029.
Scouting reports highlight a physically robust and tactically versatile full-back. Standing at 5ft11, Skoglund is noted for his aggression, endurance, and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Analyst Kai Watson described him as “good at both ends and improving going forward,” drawing stylistic comparisons to Tuur Rommens.
With Dujon Sterling currently the only recognised senior right-back option, Skoglund is viewed as both a short-term solution and long-term investment.
Exposure to domestic pressure and European football at Ibrox could accelerate his development significantly.
If a deal materialises, Rangers may see Skoglund not just as Tavernier’s replacement, but as a key asset for the next phase of their squad rebuild.
Title winners on beating O’Neill’s Celtic
Former forward Peter Lovenkrands, speaking on The Margins, stressed that Old Firm matches are defined by fine margins rather than sustained dominance.
“In those games, you might only get one or two chances, you have to take them,” he said.
“I was never heavily involved for 90 minutes, but I knew my moment would come.”
That patience, he explained, must be combined with constant concentration against elite opposition.
“It’s about being switched on all the time, one lapse and the chance is gone,” Lovenkrands said.
He also pointed to Celtic’s defensive structure under O’Neill: “Celtic defend well as a unit; there’s not a lot of space between the lines.
“You’re not going to get in behind them five or six times, it just doesn’t happen.”
Former teammate Bob Malcolm echoed the importance of mentality and unity, speaking exclusively to Read Rangers.
Drawing on his own title-winning experience, he stressed collective responsibility in high-pressure moments.
“The most important factor was we looked after each other and had a core group that even when we were not playing well, we still put a shift in and done our jobs for the team,” he said.
Looking ahead, he added: “There will always be ups and downs after a split, they need to stick together and fight for each other.”
Malcolm also compared eras.
He suggested that O’Neill’s teams were “bigger, stronger, faster” than modern sides.
James Tavernier praised by Ibrox legends
The decision bringing down the curtain on an 11-year spell at Ibrox.
The news, confirmed via social media, marks the end of an era for one of the most influential figures in modern Rangers history, with tributes flooding in from across football.
Former teammate Steven Davis led the praise.
The Northern Irishman saying: “Incredible service to the club, drive the boys and make sure you get the send-off you deserve.”
John Lundstram, who shared key European nights with Tavernier, described him as “one of the best.”
He added that Tavernier: “Never hid in the hard times and delivered at the biggest times!
“Absolute legend.”
Leon Balogun summed up the sentiment more simply: “Came as a young man, leaving as a legend. My skipper.”
Scott Arfield also paid tribute, writing: “Some man for one man,” while Josh Windass added: “Incredible player. Get everything you deserve brother.”
Celtic chase table topping ex-Ranger as new boss
Celtic are expected to appoint a new permanent manager this summer.
Interim boss Martin O’Neill is unlikely to remain in charge beyond the end of the season.
The situation is already generating discussion across Scottish football.
With several potential candidates being linked to the Parkhead role as planning begins for next season.
One name mentioned in recent debate is Derek McInnes, with the former Ibrox midfielder currently impressing at Hearts.
However, former Rangers forward Gordon Dalziel poured cold water on the idea of him making the switch to Celtic.
“No, it’s not a name I was waiting to hear, to be quite honest with you,” Dalziel said.
He added: “Derek’s having a brilliant season. He could go and make history here for Hearts, and go and win the league, which would be sensational.
“He’s found the right club, got the right players, brought in the right balance, but as a Celtic manager?
“I really don’t see that happening.”
