Fans still say I did busi-Ness
Jamie Ness’ Scottish Cup wonder strike against Celtic is on loop at the school gates 10 years on.
The midfielder sent Ibrox wi ld by f iring Rangers ahead with a stunning 25-yard left-foot shot past Fraser Forster early in the fifth-round tie.
Ness couldn’t reflect with much pride at the time because of frustration at Celtic claiming a 2-2 draw then knocking Rangers out in the replay.
But the fact so many supporters still remind him of the February 2011 classic tells him his career-high commands a place in Old Firm history.
Ness said: “You don’t fully appreciate it at the time.
“We’d drawn the game and I was thinking of the result, how we didn’t beat 10 men (Celts had Forster sent off in 41 minutes).
“It’s only as I look back, and people are still talking about it, that I realise what a big moment it was.
“I’ll meet people doing the school run talking
Fraser Mackie
about the goal. It’s one that sticks in people’s memories.
“I’m very grateful to have scored one like that.
“I came into a team with al l these exper ienced players at the top of their game, winning every week.
“Ahead of the Celtic game, I was on such a high.
“I got the ball at the edge of the box and there was no second thought.
“I hit it well and got a bit of a break as the ball went through someone’s legs and it f lew into the top corner. The place erupted.”
Earlier Walter Smith handed Ness his full debut in the New Year derby.
The player said: “I didn’t know I was playing until 90 minutes before kick-off.
“That was good because I didn’t have time to think. We lost but I gave a good account. I’d always had confidence in my ability.
“I signed at 14 and had no doubts I was going to play for Rangers. I got to train with amazing players and top pros every day.”