Hotline comedian who uses Rangers as a punchline returns but heavy Clement claim sees mood darken

You would think the first Celtic vs Rangers Scottish Cup Final would provide bravado, boasts and big predictions.

But Rangers backers are down in the dumps and not even a Hampden day out can take the blues away. And there are some numbers which only increase the fear. Rangers have won once in 17 games against Brendan Rodgers – the man who is unbeaten in 11 games at the national stadium.

But not everyone is a fan of the Irishman, who still retains detractors despite a rousing run towards title glory. John McQueen, Glasgow, said: "Why is Brendan Rodgers gloating so much about winning the SPFL title? Rangers handed it to him on a plate! When it came down to the Title deciding game at Parkhead, he fielded a team with not one player out of the 13 he signed himself this season. They only got back into the title race when he accepted all his own signings were duds and he couldn't rely on them. Also Rodgers got six less points than last season & failed to win the League Cup. Celtic are going backwards under him. Ange Postecoglou won the League, not Brendan Rodgers."

And a Hotline regular flatly rejected the notion of Philippe Clement being in the same sphere as the legendary Walter Smith – whose statue will be unveiled on Saturday morning. Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire, said: "In response to a recent statement from a half baked comedian suggesting that Clement could be the 'new' Walter Smith, it beggars belief. Walter was a top manager who won many trophies in his time at Ibrox but more so he was a decent respectable man with dignity and pride and was always welcome at Celtic Park."

There's concerns over Leon Balogun's fitness – but one fan reckons the fact there is a worry over the Nigeria international is the real fear. Seamie