Tougher tests for Glasgow giants

David McKinney
Sunday 22 September 1996 23:02 BST
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Rangers and Celtic will again experience the chasm between European and domestic football as they attempt to transfer dominance in Scotland to respectability in the wider arena. High scoring victories on Saturday with be put into perspective by Auxerre and SV Hamburg.

Rangers who lost their opening Champions' League match against Grasshoppers know that victory against Auxerre at Ibrox is essential to get them back into contention on Group A. Four goals against Kilmarnock on Saturday might indicate Rangers are in good form, but Grasshoppers dispelled the illusion two weeks ago.

Paul Gascoigne and Peter van Vossen shared the goals on Saturday, the Dutchman doing so despite flu symptoms. He will hope to recover for Wednesday. Ally McCoist is doubtful with a calf strain.

Celtic blasted five past Dunfermline ahead of their Uefa Cup meeting with Hamburg. But, before the first leg, which they lost 2-0, Tommy Burns's side had rattled five past Hibernian. Paolo Di Canio and Pierre van Hooijdonk scored two apiece with Jorge Cadete the other scorer giving rise to hopes of an historic comeback in Hamburg. However, former Hamburg star Gunter Netzer said at the weekend that Celtic have lost touch with European football.

Aberdeen, who visit Barry Town on Tuesday, lost 2-0 to Hibernian, despite dominating. The victory gives some breathing space to Hibernian manager Alex Miller. Tommy McLean had a difficult return to Raith Rovers as his new side Dundee United lost 3-2.

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