FIVE THINGS

WE LEARNED FROM THE SPFL THIS WEEKEND

CAPTAIN TAVERNIER ANSWERS HIS CRITICS

RANGERS skipper James Tavernier has received some criticism for his last few performances in big games but the right-back was crucial in tearing up Hearts’ game plan. The Edinburgh side deployed a narrow midfield but were stretched by the energy of full-backs Tavernier and Borna Barisic. Tavernier set up the second goal in a comfortable 3-0 win.

FORREST DISPLAYS HIS CREATIVE SIDE

IT is rare to see James Forrest not on the scoresheet when the goals flow for Celtic, but the winger was at his creative best in the 5-2 Betfred Cup semi-final success over Hibs. Forrest preyed on the lack of big-match experience of left-back Tom James. His delivery for the opener caught James out and Forrest kept on finding space in dangerous areas and duly punished Hibs.

FERGUSON HELPS OUT THE DANDY DONS

DEREK McINNES will be delighted Lewis Ferguson is finally fit after the midfielder helped Aberdeen to a 3-0 win over Kilmarnock. The bite of Ferguson (right) in the middle of the park has been sorely missed and he has an eye for goal. The 20-yearold has shown why he’s so crucial to Aberdeen.

STEELMEN TOO STRONG FOR LIVINGSTON

LIVINGSTON have done incredibly well since earning promotion to the top flight in the summer of 2018 but Fir Park has not been a happy hunting ground. Motherwell’s 2-1 victory on Saturday extended the Steelmen’s home winning run over Livvy to three games. The last time the Lions beat the Lanarkshire side on the road was a 5-1 win in October 2002 when Jim Leishman was in charge.

MOORE THE MERRIER FOR RESURGENT AYR

THREE goals in two games after more than six months out with injury, Craig Moore has helped kick-start the Mark Kerr era at Ayr United. A 3-2 win at Morton was backed up by a 4-1 thumping of Partick Thistle. With Michael Moffat, Alan Forrest and Luke McCowan firing on all cylinders, Moore adds more firepower to an exciting forward line.