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Celtic practically have their hands on the Scottish Premiership trophy and will hope to add the Scottish Cup to their list of accolades as well this season. 

It has been another season of complete domination from the Bhoys and although a lot of changes are likely to be made over the summer, whoever puts on the green and white stripes is probably going to get their hands on some silverware once again next season.

Rangers once more, have simply been no match for the power that Celtic possess and with the season soon to draw to its conclusion, chances should be given to some young players so they can show what they’re all about.

One man who has been no stranger to the first-team this season is winger Mikey Johnston and his involvement with the team should continue for sure.

Mikey Johnston is clearly a youngster who has recently found himself back in contention and with a total of 20 appearances for the first-team under his belt this season, his progression will be best supported if that game-time continues. Just imagine it, Hoops fans, an academy graduate to come in and answer the striking problems to be created when both Timothy Weah and Oliver Burke leave.

The 19-year-old has found the back of the net on three occasions this season, cutting in from either the left or right-hand side and, under the right coach, could become a mainstay in the starting eleven.

As a product of the famed Celtic youth system, there is nothing more fans love to see than their own lads getting a chance in the first-team.

It just so helps that Mikey Johnston has great potential to make a real name for himself in a Celtic shirt and should be given a real chance to go out and prove that.

Do you agree that Mikey Johnston should continue to be entrusted… Join the discussion and let us know!

What a three years it has been for Sheffield United supporters.

After witnessing their side finish in an underwhelming eleventh position in League One in May 2016, the arrival of Chris Wilder brought much-need hope to the Bramall Lane faithful. The 51-year-old had just won the League Two title with Northampton Town in impressive style and promised to deliver the same level of success for the Blades, which he did – emphatically.

United steamrollered their way through the third tier and ended up finishing fourteen points clear of nearest challengers Bolton Wanderers, securing a return to the Championship after six years away. For Wilder, this was only the start of the journey with this particular season representing a chance to take the club back to the Premier League.

With seven games left to play for the Blades, the club find themselves in a great position to secure their ultimate goal of top-flight football, something that the club’s fans have recognised.

Saturday’s game at Preston North End will see 6,000 supporters (according to the Star) make the two hour trip to Lancashire with the hope of seeing their side bounce back from last week’s 3-2 defeat to Bristol City. Wilder’s side should use this backing as inspiration to secure a vital victory at Deepdale which could see them move above promotion rivals Leeds United if the Whites fail to pick up three points away at Birmingham City.

If United do secure a top-two finish in May, it will be the ultimate reward for the supporters who stuck by them during the worst of times in the third tier. However, if they end up missing out at the end of the campaign, there is no reason why Wilder cannot bounce back next season, especially when you consider all the positivity that is currently surrounding the club.

What do you think United fans? Can your support on Saturday drive the club towards a priceless victory? Is this just the start for Wilder’s legacy at Bramall Lane? Let us know below.

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Nottingham Forest manager Martin O’Neill handed goalkeeper Luke Steele his first Championship start since February 2018 against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night, and Reds fans delivered their verdict on the 6 ft 2 player both during the game and post-match.

The 34-year-old was given an opportunity by the former Republic of Ireland boss with Costel Pantilimon dropping to the substitutes’ bench, and it looked as though it was going to prove to be an inspired decision following an impressive first half where he pulled off one fantastic save.

However, just two minutes after half-time he was caught horribly out of position by Marco Matias who found the net from 35 yards, with the visitors to Hillsborough going on to be beaten 3-0 in Yorkshire.

With their faint play-off hopes fading, Forest supporters took to Twitter to have their say on their stopper’s display, and the majority weren’t pleased with him.

Unsurprisingly Matias’ strike was a popular talking point, and while one simply said “wow” – presumably having seen the goal – another said “Luke Steele didn’t see that coming”.

Here is just a selection of the reaction…

[ad_pod ]“What does Harry Winks do anyway? Swear he’s got no talent†enquired a non-believer into cyberspace back in January. Such queries incidentally are hardly new.

Here’s some stats on the 23 year old’s performance at Spurs’ impressive new home when coming up against an engine room in the Champions League that helped accrue a century of points for Manchester City last season. He made five ball recoveries and his overall pass accuracy was 87%. All of his take-ons were successful, as too his tackles and aerial duels. He was everywhere and everything good about a very good Spurs showing. He was damn near immaculate.

And not for the first time either. Since finally overcoming a niggling ankle problem that curtailed the progress he made last term Winks has – in a typically understated fashion – enjoyed a storming season under Mauricio Pochettino and proven himself to be a key element of Tottenham’s good fortunes. His partnership with Moussa Sissoko has bore ripened fruit with a merging of strengths that somehow works despite neither player being particularly defensively minded, instead each naturally favouring an all-action style. For it to work requires constant awareness of the other’s positioning. It’s a high-wire act that seems to dove-tail smoothly.

Not that the academy product need worry if isolated. Winks has been widely praised for his ability to retain possession in tight spots while his passing if afforded a modicum of space is always forward and brave. Indeed so calm is he in tricky situations that it might be argued that Pochettino has chanced his arm on occasion this term, advancing others further forward and essentially leaving his star pupil exposed to the elements. He may not ‘literally’ be Spurs’ entire midfield but at times it’s sure felt like it.

But again, to press the point, Harry Winks is no defensively-minded holder. He just does his best work there, that’s all. It’s why Pochettino comfortably compared his skill-set to the Spanish greats such as Iniesta and Xavi. It’s why Spurs fans think the world of him.

All of which makes him not only an invaluable commodity for Spurs but potentially a gift for England too, for the Three Lions has been crying out for a deep-lying creator – who is equally capable of breaking up play – for eons. In Winks they have him.

His neat and tidy displays have won him a host of admirers who all see the possibilities ahead on the international stage and this includes of course Gareth Southgate. In November 2017 Danny Murphy said: “Name me a better English midfielder than Harry Winks.â€. Two years on and he has got even better.

Football derbies, where two local teams play against each other for a friendly or as part of a league, have the reputation of being some of the most competitive matches you will ever see. Derby matches can see anger on both the players and the fans’ parts, as well as some of the best football you will ever see. Even the World Cup is nowhere near the level of competitiveness the average derby match will produce. Let’s take a look at why derbies get their supporter’s blood pumping.

The Fans Are as Excited as the Players

When it comes to derby matches, the supporters probably have some sort of emotional investment in the match. A derby match is quite often played at their home stadium allowing them to tap into the fervour of matches which have been played previously. You don’t need to be a regular at a casino engaged in a game such as Champions Cup to bet that sitting in seats that have seen plenty of victories will help people feel excited about what they are about to witness.

The opposing team are also quite often disliked due to some reason similar to what we discussed above. Woe betide any player who steps onto the pitch having played for one side of a derby and then transferred to another; supporters will remember it and will consider the transfer to be a betrayal.

Factors like this whip the fans into a frenzy of name-calling and football shouts which further incentivises the players. If you are wanting to see some world-class football played, you only need to go to a derby match. The way the fans egg their favourite players on is something which you will only experience there.

It’s About More Than Football

Football rivalries are often born out of something which runs a lot deeper than football. Let’s take one of the most notorious football rivalries as an example; the Old Firm. The Old Firm is a rivalry between the Glaswegian teams of Celtic and Rangers, and it stems partly from sectarianism with Catholics traditionally supporting Celtic and Protestants usually rooting for Rangers.

Political motivations are also common. Real Madrid and Barcelona represent their own cities respectively, with Barcelona also stepping up to represent Catalonia while Madrid represents the rest of Spain. Tensions have been high between these states for a long time and football is just one place where they meet. With so much history and emotion hanging over teams when they face each other, it is little wonder why they bring their all when they step out onto the pitch.

The Beautiful Game

Football brings people together in ways we truly don’t understand. If you are searching for the perfect example of why people love football so much, just look at a derby match. The competitiveness which drives these matches is a spectacle that has to be beheld to be believed. See if any of your local teams have an upcoming derby match and tune in or buy a ticket to see the beautiful game played at its best!

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Daniel Sturridge will see his Liverpool deal expire this summer in June after more than six years with the club.

And it is widely thought that the centre-forward will leave Anfield in search of pastures new.

The 29-year-old has appeared on 24 occasions for the Reds this term, but has only managed four goals.

It has been a tough period for Sturridge, valued at £13.5 million by Transfermarkt, considering he also struggled on loan at West Bromwich Albion during the second half of last season.

And a number of Liverpool fans have been on social media engaging in a very interesting debate when it comes to the future of the 26-time England international.

Indeed, whilst it has not happened for Sturridge over the last 12 months or so, there is still a serious player in there, providing that he can stay fit.

The Liverpool supporters have been picking out potential clubs for the striker next season, and a selection of their opinions can be viewed below:

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Bradford City manager Gary Bowyer hasn’t been coy on his desire to bring Paudie O’Connor back to Valley Parade next season after his current loan spell comes to an end.

O’Connor has been a key player under Bowyer making 16 League One appearances since joining the club in January.

Preparing for League Two

O’Connor has proven to be a solid centre-back at League One level during his half a season at Bradford so he should thrive if he drops down a division next season.

Bowyer has worked with O’Connor previously at Blackpool and has been clearly impressed as he looks to continue working with him next season.

The Bantams will be hoping for nothing less than promotion at the first time of asking after their shock relegation from the third tier, and O’Connor would be a great player to keep hold of.

A new era

Bradford like many teams have been the victims of poor ownership and this move may signal that the club are moving into a new era where the manager is the boss once again.

This signing is clearly one that Bowyer has pushed for rather than any of the club’s hierarchy, the two had worked together previously at Blackpool and it is no secret that Bowyer is a fan.

The Yorkshire club had previously been run by Edin Rahic, the German owner was too involved in day-to-day proceedings at the club going as far as picking the team himself and sanctioning signings on his own.

That era seems to be over and Bowyer seems to be the first manager since Stuart McCall to have control of his own destiny at Valley Parade without involvement from those above him.

Watch the best fails from the world of indoor football in the video below…

Although O’Connor may not be the most fashionable signing in the world the interest should fill Bradford fans with hope as the manager is finally calling the shots at the club after a poor few years being run by Rahic.

Oh, Leeds. Their greatest chance in years to gain promotion to the Premier League and they will have to battle through the play-offs to try and do so. Absolutely typical. 

No one is doubting the fact that Marcelo Bielsa has made Leeds not only a fantastic team to watch but one that wins regularly, hence why their promotion bid has been so serious all along. Elland Road has been full of expectation all season and rightly so, but falling at the last hurdle cannot be an option this year, those fans are desperate for a top flight return.

The chances of it happening right now are really in the balance, though whatever the division, the right summer signings could really alter the future of Leeds going forward.

One man they were linked with in the January transfer window is Eamonn Brophy (via the Daily Mail), a robust forward who has a healthy goal-tally out in Scotland and could be a great rotation option for the Peacocks.

Brophy is a striker who has been bang-in-form for Kilmarnock this season and could, therefore, present himself as a reasonable option for a number of teams during the summer. So far this season, Brophy has ten goals and three assists to his name, healthy numbers and therefore certainly good enough to play back-up to the likes of Patrick Bamford, Tyler Roberts and Kemar Roofe.

Bielsa has rued the Whites’ wasteful finishing this season so a move for a natural finisher of this ilk is surely what the doctor ordered.

Indeed, with probably a relatively low value being at Kilmarnock (he’s only valued at £450k by Transfermarkt), Leeds could grab themselves a real bargain if Eamonn Brophy brings his shooting boots.

Do you agree he would make a good signing for Leeds? Need a bigger name? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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It has been reported that Liverpool are set to offer Divock Origi a new contract as reward for his stunning display against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final, with Jurgen Klopp impressed by the Belgium’s decisiveness and work ethic.

The Reds almost let the man they signed from Lille for £10m leave back in January amid interest from Wolves, Crystal Palace and Everton, as well as admiring glances from afar.

However, Origi looks set to be handed an extension to his current deal, which has 12 months remaining, after his heroic exploits against Barca – the 24-year-old netted twice against the Spanish champions to send Klopp’s men through to a Champions League final tie with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Luis Suarez certainly had no qualms about celebrating against his former employers in the video below…

Given the fact that his stock is now sky-high, and that they were willing to offload him not six months ago, are Liverpool right to now hand Origi a new deal? Football FanCast’s writers have their say…

Jack Saville

“You can’t offer a new deal based on sentiment alone. Origi’s clinical edge helped to carry Liverpool into the final of the Champions League and keep their title dream alive at St James’ Park, but most fans would have laughed off suggestions of a new deal just a few days before he headed home the winner at Newcastle. His reputation has transformed in a matter of days but he’s simply not good enough to be Firmino’s understudy. Liverpool should cash in while his reputation is high and sign a superior replacement in the summer.”

James Beavis

“I suspect Klopp has changed his mind on this one like I have myself in recent weeks. Not long ago I would have said that Liverpool needed to cash in on Origi, but I feel differently now. The 24-year-old is still relatively young in footballing terms, and has proven that he can step up and score hugely important goals when needed – against Newcastle United and Barcelona. It won’t be easy to find someone else willing to play second fiddle to Roberto Firmino, but in the Belgian they have someone that is and that can make a difference too, which is like gold dust. If he continues as he is right now, he could even be a more regular fixture in the starting XI next term.”

Luke Glanville

“In my opinion, Liverpool must cash in on either Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi in the summer transfer window. How can they get rid of the latter after what he’s done for the club in the last week? Keeping Jurgen Klopp’s men in both Premier League and UEFA Champions League contention. Therefore, it must be Sturridge who goes. And in light of this, why not offer Origi a new deal? He’s proved time and time again how important he can be – the Belgian is the perfect back-up option for any member of the front three.”

Derby County will be aiming to move one step closer to a return to the Premier League on Saturday when they host Leeds United at Pride Park in the first leg of their play-off semi-final.

The Rams have been very impressive in recent weeks as victories over the likes of West Bromwich Albion, Bristol City and Queens Park Rangers saw them secure a top-six finish in the Championship.

Whereas Frank Lampard’s side will enter the clash at the weekend brimming with confidence, the same cannot be said for Leeds.

Having not won any of their last four games in the second tier, the Whites are in danger of ending what has been a hugely positive season under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa on a devastating low.

With the upcoming fixture likely to be settled by whose defence can dominate proceedings, it will be intriguing to see who out of Richard Keogh and Pontus Jansson comes out on top.

Although both of these centre-backs are integral to the success of their respective sides, the battle below will reveal who is the better player.

RICHARD KEOGH

Since joining Derby from Coventry City in 2012, Richard Keogh has become one of the club’s most consistent players.

Yet despite having played over 300 Championship games for the Rams, the Republic of Ireland international has developed somewhat of a reputation for making an error at the worst possible time for his team with the 2014 play-off final being the most notable example of this.

With his side drawing 0-0 against Queens Park Rangers, Keogh’s failure to clear a Junior Hoilett cross allowed Bobby Zamora to fire in the goal which secured victory and subsequently broke the hearts of Derby’s supporters.

If the Rams’ captain cannot cope with the pressure this weekend, it would not be at all surprising if history repeats itself at Pride Park.

TT GRADE: B-

PONTUS JANSSON

Having initially joined Leeds on loan from Torino in 2016, Pontus Jansson made a permanent switch to Elland Road a year later and has since gone on to become one of the club’s star performers.

A domineering presence in defence for the Whites, the £5.4m-rated ace (via Transfermarkt) has been very impressive this season as his partnership with Liam Cooper has allowed Marcelo Bielsa’s side to launch a sustained push for promotion.

Although Jansson was powerless to prevent Sheffield United usurping Leeds to a top-two finish in the Championship, the Sweden international will be hoping that he can certify his status as a cult hero in West Yorkshire by leading his side to play-off glory this month.

TT GRADE: B+

TT VERDICT:

Although both defenders are natural-born leaders for their respective sides, if you had to choose a winner of this particular battle, it is clear that Jansson has the slight edge over his counterpart.

Despite Keogh having the advantage of being able to call upon his previous experiences of the play-offs, the fact that he has failed to deliver whilst under severe pressure for Derby will be concerning for Lampard.

In contrast, Bielsa will have full confidence in Jansson being able to deliver when it really matters for the Whites as he has shown on countless occasions during his time at Elland Road that he is not afraid of a challenge.

Derby and Leeds fans, who wins this battle? Join the discussion by commenting below.