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Poland v England live

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LIVE: Poland v England – follow the action from the 2014 World Cup qualifier

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UPDATED:

18:58 GMT, 16 October 2012

Follow Sportsmail's coverage of England's World Cup qualifying campaign as they travel to the National Stadium in Warsaw to take on Poland. The Three Lions top Group H after three games but know they face a far tougher test against the Poles than in their 5-0 victory against San Marino. Send me your thoughts on the action at dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk or via Twitter @Ripinho.

Poland v England (8pm)

Click here for the live goals as they go in

Poland: TBA

England: Hart, Johnson, Cole, Gerrard, Jagielka, Lescott, Milner, Carrick, Defoe, Rooney, Cleverley.

Click here for all the live scores from Europe's World Cup qualifiers

19.58: ITV have spoken to a press officer at the ground and they have confirmed there will be a final pitch inspection at 8pm.

There is still an option for the game to be delayed an hour but I really cannot see that happening. Other alternatives could be the game being played tomorrow.

19.53: Your full line-ups from Scotland's fixture in Belgium:

Belgium v Scotland
Belgium: Courtois, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Kompany, Vertonghen, De Bruyne, Witsel, Chadli, Mertens, Dembele, Benteke. Subs: Mignolet, Hazard, Ciman, M'Boyo, Van Buyten, Mirallas, Defour, Lombaerts, Vossen, Simons, Guillaume Gillet, Jean-Francois Gillet.

Scotland: McGregor, Hutton, Berra, Caldwell, Fox, Maloney, Morrison, Darren Fletcher, McArthur, Commons, Steven Fletcher. Subs: Gilks, Mulgrew, Cowie, Adam, Miller, Mackie, Martin, Phillips, Webster, Marshall.

Referee: Mauricio Morales (Mexico)

More than spitting: England keeper Joe Hart tests the conditions at Warsaw's National Stadium

More than spitting: England keeper Joe Hart tests the conditions at Warsaw's National Stadium

19.50: And it's half-time in Croatia too where Mario Mandzukic's strike is the difference between the hosts and Wales. A fluke goal but Croatia have been dominant.

19.47: We are underway in Belgium though, as they have just kicked off against Scotland.

Meanwhile it's more bad news for the Republic of Ireland as it's half-time in the Faroe Islands and they are still being held 0-0.

19.44: Roy Hodgson has told ITV he doesn't think the game will go ahead. There isn't exactly much rush to get this game ready by the hosts. There isn't a groundsman and a pitchfork in sight.

19.40: Dare Roy Hodgson pull a Steve McClaren and put up an umbrella – not a chance!

I still can't believe that a roof closed throughout Euro 2012 has stayed open all day. Apparently the roof now cannot be closed because the rain is too heavy. Unbelievable.

19.36: To put this into perspective, when the ball is thrown in the air it simply doesn't even bounce after hitting the turf.

There will be an announcement at 8pm over whether this game will go ahead. For now it looks like they will close the roof. Stable doors and bolting horses come to mind.

19.33: Back to Warsaw though and the reason the game is in doubt is because torrential rain has made the pitch more like a paddy field.

The referee has declared the pitch unplayable but there is no official confirmation yet over whether this game is going ahead.

19.30: Bad news for Wales. They have gone 1-0 down to Croatia following an opportunistic strike from Mario Mandzukic.

19.25: Sportsmail's Matt Barlow:

A new 400m stadium with a closing roof and the game in warsaw appears in doubt.

Water pass: England boss Roy Hodgson tests the very wet conditions in Warsaw

Water pass: England boss Roy Hodgson tests the very wet conditions in Warsaw

19.20: There has been an early blow for England in Warsaw.

For the second time in 20 years the band that follows the team has been…well…banned.

They were of course shut out recently at Donestk for a Euro 2012 match but they have now been snubbed in Warsaw too.

It is believed stadium authorities took tonight's decision because the Polish FA have refused to sanction a Polish band, and would be open to accusations of double standards if they allowed their English counterparts in.

Band leader John Hemmingham said: 'It is very frustrating. We have travelled tens of thousands of miles following England are were looking forward to banging the drum for the Three Lions once more. It is massively disappointing to get such a bum note.'

19.15: Scotland make one change from the side who lost to Wales for tonight's World Cup qualifier against Belgium.

Wigan midfielder James McArthur is drafted into the starting line-up in place of Scott Brown.

The Hoops skipper was forced to withdraw from the squad with an ongoing hip problem that forced him out of Friday's clash in Cardiff at half-time.

The Scots head into the game in Brussels second bottom of Group A and know they needed a first victory of the campaign to keep their slim hopes alive.

19.10: England head coach Roy Hodgson hands 99th caps to skipper Steven Gerrard and defender Ashley Cole for the World Cup qualifier with Poland in Warsaw.

Gerrard returns after missing the 5-0 home win over San Marino through suspension while Cole comes back into the side after resting his ongoing ankle problem.

Hodgson makes a total of six changes with Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, James Milner and Jermain Defoe also back in the starting line-up.

Defenders Kyle Walker, Gary Cahill and Leighton Baines, midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, striker Danny Welbeck plus the injured Theo Walcott make way.

19.05: Back to the World Cup 2014 qualifiers – two games are already underway.

Republic of Ireland are trying to bounce back from their 6-1 defeat to Germany as they travel to Faroe Islands, while Wales will be looking to build on their 2-1 win over Scotland with their tricky trip to Croatia.

Job done: England Under 21s celebrate Connor Wickham's injury time goal

Job done: England Under 21s celebrate Connor Wickham's injury time goal

19.00: Serbian fans of course are not on good terms with UEFA following their disgraceful antics to have a Euro 2012 qualifier in Italy abandoned – I'm not holding my breath for any serious punishments though.

18.59: From Sportsmail's Dominic King:

Let's see how serious UEFA take this. Never seen anything like that before. Actions of neanderthals. Riot police around ground did nothing.

18.56: Awful scenes in Serbia. The good news is the England Under 21s scored in injury time through Connor Wickham to seal a 2-0 aggregate victory and a place at Euro 2013.

But the scenes that followed saw England players and coaches attacked by Serbians, with Danny Rose sent off for retaliation.

The full-back seemed to gesture that he was racially abused – but either way you haven't heard the last of this game and sadly it won't be because of the football.

18.51: And a quick update on the England Under 21s before we get cracking. We are in second half injury time in Serbia where Stuart Pearce's side are drawing 0-0.

Should it stay that way, they will advance to the Euro 2013 finals after winning the first leg 1-0 at Carrow Road on Friday.

18.48: England starting XI:

Hart, Johnson, Cole, Gerrard, Jagielka, Lescott, Milner, Carrick, Defoe, Rooney, Cleverley.

18.45: Was I the only one left a little subdued after England's 5-0 win over San Marino on Friday It certainly felt strange to be left feeling shortchanged after seeing the Three Lions record a five-goal victory.

It's a much tougher test for Roy Hodgson's side tonight though as they travel to Poland for the second time this year. No sunshine and major tournaments this time though – just a tricky night in Warsaw and hopefully three valuable points to take back across the Channel. Team news coming up.

Looking for more: England's Wayne Rooney (right) will hope to add to his brace scored against San Marino on Friday when he lines up against Poland

Looking for more: England's Wayne Rooney (right) will hope to add to his brace scored against San Marino on Friday when he lines up against Poland

England 1 Belgium 0 – match report

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England 1 Belgium 0: Oh Danny Boy! Welbeck sees Three Lions head into Euros unbeaten under new boss Hodgson

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UPDATED:

18:28 GMT, 2 June 2012

England's Euro 2012 preparations took another step in the right direction as they overcame Belgium in Roy Hodgson's first Wembley fixture in charge.

Danny Welbeck gave the Three Lions a half-time lead with a sumptuous dinked finish, doing his chances of starting against France no harm at all.

In a second half largely devoid of chances, Guillaume Gillet shaved the post, while at the end substitute Jermain Defoe thumped a low drive against the upright.

Duck breaker: Danny Welbeck scored his first international goal to give England the best possible start

Duck breaker: Danny Welbeck scored his first international goal to give England the best possible start

Duck breaker: Danny Welbeck scored his first international goal to give England the best possible start

MATCH FACTS

ENGLAND: Hart, Johnson, Cahill (Lescott 19), Terry (Jagielka 70), Cole, Milner, Parker, Gerrard (Henderson 83), Oxlade-Chamberlain (Walcott 67), Young (Defoe 66), Welbeck (Rooney 53). Subs not used: Green, Jones, Baines, Downing, Carroll, Butland.

Goals: Welbeck 36.

Booked: Parker

BELGIUM: Mignolet, Guillaume Gillet, Simons, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Hazard, Fellaini, Witsel, Mertens (Lukaku 72), Mirallas (Chadli 59), Dembele. Subs not used: Renard, De Camargo, Pocognoli, Benteke, Vossen, Odoi, Nainggolan, De Ceulaer, Defour.

Booked: Mertens

Referee: Peter Rasmussen (Denmark)

Attendance: 85,901

England also had another injury scare
as Gary Cahill required an X-ray on his jaw after he was shoved into
Joe Hart. The incident occurred in the early stages of the game, when
Cahill was deliberately barged by Dries Mertens.

With Joleon Lescott needing a hefty bandage to cover a cut above his eye and skipper Steven
Gerrard looking uncomfortable as he departed, it was a worrying end to a
pretty dire week for manager Roy Hodgson, who has already lost
experienced central midfield duo Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry to
injury.

Whilst the choice between Welbeck and
Andy Carroll does not quite amount to a dilemma that should keep
Hodgson awake at night, England's new manager does at least have an
option.

Carroll did reasonably well in Norway
seven days ago, to the extent plenty have already pencilled him in for
that Group D clash in Donetsk on June 11. That opinion may have to be
revised following Welbeck's performance.

One moment stood out before the goal
as the 21-year-old chased down a pretty hopeless cause, retrieving the
ball by the goal-line and then rolling it back to Alex
Oxlade-Chamberlain. Making his first England start, the 18-year-old
flashed a shot narrowly wide.

It was the type of move it is hard to
imagine Carroll setting up, even if the Liverpool man is a greater
threat as a pure target man.

However, Welbeck has the additional quality of being a neat finisher too.

Concerns: Gary Cahill was forced off early on after being pushed into Joe Hart by Belgium's Dries Mertens

Concerns: Gary Cahill was forced off early on after being pushed into Joe Hart by Belgium's Dries Mertens

Concerns: Gary Cahill was forced off early on after being pushed into Joe Hart by Belgium's Dries Mertens

Sir Bobby Charlton was amongst those present to receive a special UEFA commemoration of his achievement of reaching 100 caps.

And England's record goalscorer must
have been appreciative of Welbeck's first international goal – a
delightful left-footed dink over Simon Mignolet after being set free by
Manchester United team-mate Ashley Young.

It was one of the few high spots in a
feisty contest, the biggest cheer of which was for the appearance of
another England centurion – David Beckham – at half-time.

Top Gunner: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was handed his first start for England on the flanks

Top Gunner: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was handed his first start for England on the flanks

Skipper Gerrard's industry started
the move Welbeck finished. He also had shocks blocked by Timmy Simons
and Guillame Gillet in a frenzied spell towards the end of that first
half.

Much earlier, Oxlade-Chamberlain's
eyes must have lit up when James Milner rolled a cross invitingly into
his path, only for his standing foot to give way as he was about to
shoot, leaving him to beat the ground in frustration.

Belgium's only opportunity was
created for Axel Witsel by Mertens, who was also responsible for the
incident that ended with Cahill needing his X-ray.

Leading by example: Steven Gerrard continued to lead the team with a typically buccaneering performance

Leading by example: Steven Gerrard continued to lead the team with a typically buccaneering performance

HAZARD WATCH

Five minutes – Makes a bursting run towards the area and his pass leads to a corner.

31mins – Fouled by potential future team-mate Ashley Cole as he continues to move around the final third looking to get more involved.

40mins – Hits a shot from long range that is easily collected by Joe Hart.

61mins – Again fails to test Hart from outside of the box – despite getting his effort on target.

62mins – Slips a neat pass into the feet of Marouane Fellaini who shoots tamely at Hart.

73mins – Loses his footing as he attempts yet another effort from outside of the penalty area.

76mins – Turns provider once more as he picks out substitute Romelu Lukaku in the area but the Chelsea forward's shot is blocked.

82mins – Sends a long-range shot wide.

Partnering Chelsea team-mate John
Terry at the heart of England's defence, Cahill was trying to shepherd
the ball back to Hart when he was shoved in the back by Mertens and went
crashing into his keeper.

It was a nasty collision and Cahill did not even try to continue, looking groggy as he ruefully rubbed his jaw on the way off.

Having to sweat on the outcome of
medical checks was the last thing Hodgson needed, having already used
his standby defender, Phil Jagielka, to replace Barry earlier in the
week.

Indeed, the whole contest was far more physical that Hodgson would have wanted.

Trevor Cherry remains the only
England player to get himself sent off in a friendly but Ashley Cole and
Scott Parker were both booked as the tackles flew in from both sides.

Cahill's replacement, Lescott,
finished the game sporting an enormous Terry Butcher-style bandage after
sustaining a nasty cut above the eye. Under the circumstances, Wayne Rooney might have been well out of it.

Just diamond: On Jubilee weekend, Royal lookalikes took their place in the Wembley crowd...

Just diamond: On Jubilee weekend, Royal lookalikes took their place in the Wembley crowd…

... while English football royalty was also present in the form of former captain David Beckham, Sir Bobby Charlton and Peter Shilton, all of whom were honoured at half-time

… while English football royalty was also present in the form of former captain David Beckham, Sir Bobby Charlton and Peter Shilton, all of whom were honoured at half-time

Hodgson brought him on though,
utilising his star man for the first time, and the last until England
face Ukraine on June 19, as Welbeck's input was brought to an end seven
minutes after the restart.

Rooney ended the game as captain too, suggesting he will end up being Gerrard's deputy as skipper.

Hawk-Eye on the ball: Goal-line technology was given it's first proper run out the top level

Hawk-Eye on the ball: Goal-line technology was given it's first proper run out the top level

Hawk-Eye on the ball: Goalline technology was given it's first proper run out the top level

Fellow substitute Defoe later almost profited from Theo Walcott's lay-off as he rasped a shot against the far post.

Largely though, Belgium dominated,
with Gillet firing a long-range effort against the outside of a post and
Marouane Fellaini also coming close.

Imminent Chelsea new boy Eden Hazard
sparkled at times without finding a breakthrough and it seems Hodgson's
England will settle on a policy of being difficult to beat when they
depart for their Krakow base on Wednesday.

Run out: Despite his suspension, Wayne Rooney was given the chance to sharpen up with a secondp0half appearance

Run out: Despite his suspension, Wayne Rooney was given the chance to sharpen up with a secondp0half appearance

Euro 2012: Belgium team by Philippe Albert

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King Albert on this team of Belgian talent and THAT chip
to bamboozle Peter the great

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UPDATED:

23:01 GMT, 1 June 2012

Philippe Albert, the Belgian who wowed England with that chip for Newcastle against Manchester United 16 years ago, talks John Edwards through the golden generation of Belgium footballers who take on England at Wembley.

Party time: Philippe Albert celebrates his strike against Manchester United

Party time: Philippe Albert celebrates his strike against Manchester United

But first, that goal in 1996… Manchester United were already trailing 4-0, before a disbelieving St James’ Park crowd, when Newcastle’s imposing centre back transferred a Rob Lee pass on to his left foot and nonchalantly chipped a stranded Peter Schmeichel from more than 20 yards to round off one of the performances and results of the 1990s.

‘I only ever had one thought in mind, after getting the ball and taking a couple of paces towards their area,’ said Albert. ‘I knew Schmeichel would expect me to thump it and would come off his line to try and cut down the angle, so it was always my intention to chip him.

‘Sure enough, he moved forward quickly and that was my chance. I just needed to execute it properly, and fortunately I did. It was a magical moment, seeing it float over him and drop into the net, and I just went on a slalom run, past one team-mate after another, before sliding along the turf near the halfway line.’

Safe hands: Belgium's keepers Simon Mignolet and Thibaut Courtois

Safe hands: Belgium's keepers Simon Mignolet and Thibaut Courtois

Now a forthright television pundit in Belgium, Albert expects the current squad to reach the 2014 World Cup finals:

Simon Mignolet

Just edging out Thibaut Courtois, which goes to show we have two excellent young goalkeepers who are going to serve us well for the next 12 to 15 years. Great reflexes make him an excellent shot-stopper but he needs to work a bit on dealing with crosses.

Guillaume Gillet

The full back positions are our main problem. Toby Alderweireld was pencilled in for right back before being injured but is actually a centre half. Gillet will replace him but he’s a right-sided midfielder. Not ideal, but the experienced Anderlecht man is steady enough and won’t let anyone down.

Vincent Kompany

Needs little introduction after his fantastic season for Manchester City. Never found wanting for pace, good in the air, sure in the tackle and can bring the ball out of defence. There’s not much more you could ask of a centre half. Will surely lead us to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup.

Solid as a rock: Vincent Kompany is a key part of the Belgian defence

Solid as a rock: Vincent Kompany is a key part of the Belgian defence

Thomas Vermaelen

Rightly regarded as a key component of Arsenal’s defence and I just hope he can repeat his club form at Wembley. He should be one of the reasons for being optimistic about our World Cup campaign, but I’m not sure Vermaelen always produces the same level for club and country. He’s not the only one, either.

Jan Vertonghen

As I was saying, full back is a problem. This guy is a top centre half, skipper of Ajax’s title-winning team, but he will be playing left back today. Fortunately for us, he still looks a class act wherever he plays, and if Tottenham finally manage to sign him, they will be getting an accomplished defender.

Marouane Fellaini

Dynamic performer for Everton and very important part of our midfield. I’m just not convinced he reaches the same level for the national team as he does in an Everton shirt. Whatever the reason, that needs putting right, because he really is crucial to the chances of this Belgium squad fulfilling their potential.

Hair raising: Marouane Fellaini (left) impressed for Everton last season

Hair raising: Marouane Fellaini (left) impressed for Everton last season

Axel Witsel

A real all-round midfielder who can tackle, take care of the ball, win his share of headers and score goals. There has been interest in him from English clubs and no wonder. But I’m not sure we see his Benfica form at international level. Another challenge for whoever gets the manager’s job.

Kevin Mirallas

His selection would appear to be down to his performance in the last game against Montenegro, when Belgium drew 2-2. Mirallas scored and was a constant threat. He can play wide or up front, where he shone for Olympiakos last season as the Greek league’s top scorer and player of the year.

Eden Hazard

You are about to see what all the fuss is about. Never mind playing for the team, it’s the other way round with him. Just give him the ball and let him show how, technically, he’s already one of the best in the world. A real No 10 and that must be his position for Chelsea. You build a team round a talent like this.

Pass master: Belgium's midfield maestro Eden Hazard is highly rated

Pass master: Belgium's midfield maestro Eden Hazard is highly rated

Dries Mertens

Another emerging talent who is making a favourable impression at PSV Eindhoven and now has the chance to show he can thrive on the international stage, in front of 90,000 fans at Wembley. He’s not a left-sided midfielder but may have to play there, such are the options in the central positions.

Mousa Dembele

It’s better for him that he is used in his best position, as an attacking central midfielder, but may find himself leading the line today. Was often played out of position under the previous coach, which did him no favours. Fulham use him properly, and just look how he responds. Great talent.

Inverness CT 0 Rangers 1:

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Inverness CT 1 Rangers 4: Gers get first win since administration to lift the mood

Rangers gave their supporters some much-needed cheer with an emphatic victory at Inverness to secure their first Clydesdale Bank Premier League points since going into administration.

Goals from Steven Davis and Sone Aluko put Rangers two ahead inside 16 minutes and Andrew Little justified his selection up front with a composed finish.

Steve Williams headed one back before the break but the champions remained in control and Lee McCulloch netted an opportunistic fourth from his striker's role.

Back in the groove: Sone Aluko (right) celebrates scoring Rangers' second alongside fellow scorer Steven Davis

Back in the groove: Sone Aluko (right) celebrates scoring Rangers' second alongside fellow scorer Steven Davis

MATCH FACTS

Inverness CT: Esson, Graeme Shinnie, Gillet, Williams, Meekings, Hayes, McKay, Tansey, Ross, Tade, Foran.

Subs: Tuffey, Tokely, Tudur Jones, Proctor, Sutherland, Winnall, Gnakpa.

Rangers: McGregor, Perry, Goian, Bocanegra, Broadfoot, Aluko, Davis, Edu, McCulloch, Little, Kerkar.

Subs: Alexander, Healy, Bedoya, Celik, Wylde, Hemmings, McCabe.

Referee: William Collum

Rangers fans have endured worrying revelations about the club's financial affairs on an almost daily basis since they went into administration on Valentine's Day and the first opportunity for the players to deliver a positive distraction from the crisis ended in a 1-0 defeat by Kilmarnock last Saturday.

The players came into this game knowing there is a real possibility some of them may lose their jobs in the coming week as administrators prepare to review staffing across the club.

But they produced a highly-professional display with a real cutting edge to send the buoyant away fans home happy.
Manager Ally McCoist was forced into a more inexperienced starting line-up after losing Sasa Papac to suspension and Lee Wallace to injury, the left-back joining Steven Whittaker, Kyle Lafferty and Kyle Bartley in the treatment room.

Ross Perry and Salim Kerkar came in for rare starts while Little was preferred to David Healy as he made a first SPL start of the season.

All three acquitted themselves well with Kerkar having a major hand in three of the goals and Perry producing a solid display at right-back.

Inverness welcomed back Gregory Tade from injury with fellow striker Billy McKay also coming in and they made a bright start but Davis scored in the sixth minute with the visitors' first attack.

The Rangers captain began the move before Maurice Edu stretched the home defence with a pass out to Kerkar. The winger played a low ball into the six-yard box and Davis got there first to sidefoot home.

Inverness quickly got in behind the Rangers defence when McKay ran on to Richie Foran's pass. The forward beat Perry inside the box but drove the ball across the face of goal when he had several team-mates awaiting a cutback.

Aluko missed the target with a free header from six yards after Davis had found him at the back post but the winger soon atoned as Rangers went two ahead. The former Aberdeen player fired just inside the post from 18 yards after McCulloch had laid off Little's low cross from the right.

Inverness manager Terry Butcher moved from the stand to the touchline in a bid to sort out his side and Greg Tansey twice threatened from long range, driving just wide before forcing Allan McGregor into a save with a powerful effort the Rangers goalkeeper beat away.

But Edu and Davis were cutting out most of the Inverness attacks before they could reach the penalty box and Rangers moved three ahead with a 36th-minute counter-attack.

Kerkar collected the ball on the left wing and played it through for Little, who got away from the chasing defenders and took his time before finishing from a tight angle with his left foot.

Inverness gave themselves a lifeline four minutes later when Williams rose highest to head home Tansey's inswinging corner from close range. Rangers had disputed the corner award after Tansey's previous effort failed to clear the near post with referee Willie Collum ruling a Rangers player had helped it out.

Tade had a half chance following another Tansey set-piece but he volleyed well over with the last kick of the half.

The striker had a better chance moments after the break after Jonny Hayes got away from Kirk Broadfoot on the right wing and delivered an excellent low cross.

However, Dorin Goian made a crucial intervention as Tade tried to convert from six yards, the Romanian diverting the ball inches wide of McGregor's near post.

Rangers came close to a fourth amid a series of corners, Nick Ross clearing Edu's header off the line before Ryan Esson pushed Davis's follow-up wide.

Esson then saved from Aluko after the winger had held off Graeme Shinnie after running on to Edu's pass.

Caley Thistle moved from a 4-5-1 formation to a 4-4-2 but they were making few inroads as Rangers pressed them high up the park to maintain their territorial advantage.

Kerkar was heavily involved again as Rangers moved further ahead in the 72nd minute. The Algerian worked space to fire an angled drive, which Esson could not hold, and McCulloch ran in to tap home the rebound.

McGregor made a good stop after Tade helped on Hayes' cross but Rangers were otherwise comfortable and McCoist handed game time to Gregg Wylde, Kane Hemmings and Mervan Celik.

McCulloch almost added another when his powerful strike from 15 yards hit the underside of the bar and bounced down off the line following Wylde's corner.

Celtic 1 Inverness 0: Joe Ledley scores winner

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Celtic 1 Inverness 0: Ledley grabs winner as Majstorovic sees red for Hoops

Joe Ledley's first-half goal gave Celtic victory over Inverness at Parkhead and restored their four-point lead over Rangers at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The Wales midfielder converted a James Forrest cross after 16 minutes from close range to extend the Hoops' domestic winning run to 17 games. However, most of the drama came after the break.

Celtic defender Daniel Majstorovic, back in the side for the injured Thomas Rogne, was controversially shown a straight red card by referee Steven McLean on the hour mark for a 'last man' challenge on Jonny Hayes, a decision which had the home crowd in uproar.

Winner: Celtic's Joe Ledley (right) scores against Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Winner: Celtic's Joe Ledley (right) scores against Inverness Caledonian Thistle

MATCH FACTS

Celtic: Forster, Matthews, Majstorovic, Kelvin Wilson, Mulgrew, Forrest (Commons 82), Brown, Wanyama, Ledley, Samaras, Hooper (Ki 73).

Subs Not Used: Zaluska, Stokes, Cha, Brozek, McCourt.

Sent Off: Majstorovic (60).

Goals: Ledley 16.

Inverness CT: Esson,Meekings (Piermayr 86), Williams, Gillet, Graeme Shinnie, Ross, Tansey, Foran, Hayes, Sutherland (Tudur Jones 90),Gnakpa.

Subs Not Used: Tuffey, Tokely, Proctor, Morrison, Winnall.

Sent Off: Williams (78).

Booked: Foran, Williams, Graeme Shinnie, Tudur Jones.

Ref: Steven McLean (Scotland).

Their anger dissipated a little when Caley defender Steve Williams was sent packing in the 77th minute for picking up the second of two yellow cards for a foul on Georgios Samaras.

In the end the nervy home support were happy to hear the final whistle although Majstorovic's red card will no doubt be the talking point for a few days. Celtic, with only one change to their line-up, went into the game one point ahead of Rangers following the Light Blues' 4-1 win at Dunfermline earlier in the day.

Ryan Esson returned to the Inverness goal at the expense of Jonathan Tuffey, while Williams, Claude Gnakpa and Shane Sutherland came in for Gregory Tade, Ross Tokely and David Proctor, the latter two starting on the bench along with Tuffey.

Caley had lost 2-0 at home to Celtic in the William Hill Scottish Cup fifth-round last week and once more they had a shaky start.

There were less than two minutes played when Hoops midfielder Victor Wanyama headed a Charlie Mulgrew corner just over the bar and it appeared that the visitors could be in for a long afternoon.

However, three minutes later a fine pass from Gnakpa found Nick Ross in acres of space just outside the Celtic box but the Caley midfielder failed to control the ball instantly and the opportunity was gone.

Caley's chances of a shock win, though, took a severe dent when Celtic forged ahead through Ledley.

Flag bearer: Ledley celebrates his strike against Inverness

Flag bearer: Ledley celebrates his strike against Inverness

Skipper Scott Brown sent the unmarked Forrest free down the right-hand side and his low cross to the back post was tapped in by the Wales international from a yard out.

Five minutes later Mulgrew forced Esson into a fine save just under the bar from a whipped-in free-kick but Celtic made nothing of the corner.

The Hoops fans were in celebratory mode but there were occasional flashes from Terry Butcher's men which suggested they could pose a threat.

In the 29th minute Caley midfielder Greg Tansey sent Hayes racing into the Celtic box with a pass which again cut open the Parkhead rearguard but he was crowded out before he could get his shot away.

Mulgrew came close in the 34th minute when he drilled a 25-yard shot past low past Esson's far post, after the Inverness defence had repelled a Forrest cross from the left.

Off for an early bath: Celtic's Daniel Majstorovic is shown the red card

Off for an early bath: Celtic's Daniel Majstorovic is shown the red card

Esson denied Celtic with three minutes of the first-half remaining when he did well to cut out a dangerous low cross from Forrest who had returned to the right-hand side after a spell on the left.

There was little really to get excited in the second half until, in a moment of drama, Majstorovic was shown a straight red card by referee McLean.

It appeared the Sweden defender, while originally not realising that Hayes was behind him as he watched Mulgrew's sliding pass back go on its way back to Fraser Forster, got a touch on the ball with a recovery tackle at the edge of the box.

The stand side assistant kept his flag down but McLean acted and his decision angered the home support and Lennon, who was spoken to by McLean after appearing to remonstrate with fourth official Charlie Richmond.

Crunch: Inverness Caledonian Thistle's Thomas Piermayr (left) tackles Celtic's Scott Brown

Crunch: Inverness Caledonian Thistle's Thomas Piermayr (left) tackles Celtic's Scott Brown

Ki Sung-yueng replaced Gary Hooper as Celtic reshuffled but the visitors sensed their might be something in the game for them.

The numbers were evened up by McLean when Williams, booked just after the break for a foul on Hooper, was sent off for a second yellow card offence on Samaras.

The complexion of the game changed again but Ross missed a decent chance for Caley when he screwed his angled-drive from 10 yards wide of the target.

At the other end, Samaras finished a mazy run with a low drive which tested Esson but in the end Celtic were happy to see the game out.

Rangers 2 Inverness 1: Sub Lafferty keeps his nerve to keep Gers on a roll

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Rangers 2 Inverness 1: Sub Lafferty keeps his nerve to keep Gers on a roll

A dramatic late strike by substitute Kyle Lafferty gave Rangers an undeserved victory against Inverness to take them seven points clear of Celtic at the top of the Clydesdale BankPremier League.

When Light Blues defender Carlos Bocanegra shot the home side into the lead in the 55th minute it looked like they would go and make the result more comfortable.

Super sub: Kyle Lafferty slots home the winning goal

Super sub: Kyle Lafferty slots home the winning goal

MATCH FACTS

Rangers: McGregor, Whittaker, Bartley, Bocanegra, Wallace, Edu, Papac, Bedoya, Davis, Wylde, Jelavic.

Subs: Alexander, Broadfoot, McCulloch, Lafferty, McKay, Bendiksen, McCabe.

Inverness CT: Esson, Gillet, Tokely, Golobart, Graeme Shinnie, Cox, Foran, Hayes, Tansey, Tade, McKay.

Subs: Tuffey, Piermayr, Andrew Shinnie, Ross, Morrison, Sutherland.

Referee: Bobby Madden (Scotland)

However, the Highlanders fought back ferociously and former Rangers midfielder Andrew Shinnie, on as substitute for Greg Tansey, levelled before they missed several good chances to grab an unlikely win.

They were made to pay in the cruellest fashion when Lafferty, on for Alejandro Bedoya early in the second half, struck with eight minutes remaining to ease the nerves and increase the gap over their Old Firm rivals who play at St Johnstone tomorrow.

Rangers have been unconvincing in recent weeks and their fans will have left Ibrox aware that they were let off the hook.

Bedoya and defender Sasa Papac came into the Rangers side at the expense of Dorin Goian, who failed to recover from a fever and Lee McCulloch, who started on the bench along with striker Lafferty who returned from a back injury.

Caley boss Terry Butcher made three changes with Lee Cox, Gregory Tade and Graeme Shinnie coming in for injured Chris Hogg, suspended David Davis and Andrew Shinnie, who was named substitute. The Highlanders took the spoils in the first half with an impressive display.

Two easy: Lafferty celebrates his winner

Two easy: Lafferty celebrates his winner

It was a slow, unconvincing start by the home side and in the third minute Caley midfielder Cox stole into the Rangers box but failed to catch his shot properly, the ball spinning harmlessly wide.

Inverness midfielder Tansey then had a shot blocked by Ibrox defender Kyle Bartley.

In the 10th minute the Light Blues threatened for the first time and Caley keeper Ryan Esson made a terrific save to deny defender Steven Whittaker, who met a Gregg Wylde cross from eight yards out to power a header down towards the bottom corner.

There was not a great deal of creativity from the Ibrox men which began to irk the home support as they surveyed another possible afternoon of frustration.

Spring time: Rangers manager Ally McCoist tries out his Villas-Boas impression

Spring time: Rangers manager Ally McCoist tries out his Villas-Boas impression

The home side”s corner count slowly mounted, though and in the 28th minute top scorer Nikica Jelavic headed Wylde”s corner from the right over the bar but still the Highlanders refused to be cowed.

After Papac was robbed by Tansey, Cox went down the right and drove the ball across the box and the home fans were glad to see Bartley clear the danger.

In the 36th minute there was a strong Caley appeal for a penalty when Richie Foran”s header looked like it might have struck the arm of Jelavic in the Rangers box but referee Bobby Madden was unimpressed.

Jelavic had to stretch at the back post to reach a searching Wylde cross from the left but the ball fell into the arms of Esson.

McCulloch replaced Maurice Edu for the start of the second half and within three minutes Bedoya and Jelavic got into a tangle as they attacked a Lee Wallace cross and the chance was gone.

Caley striker William McKay claimed he was held by Bartley as he turned the Rangers defender inside the penalty box but again referee Madden shook his head, leaving McKay in a rage as Gers keeper Allan McGregor picked up the loose ball.

Lafferty came on for the injured Bedoya in the 52nd minute and the home side stepped up the pace which brought its reward three minutes later.

When Wallace crossed into the box Jelavic chested down for defender Bocanegra to slam the ball in from close range.

On the hour mark Lafferty escaped the attention of the Caley defence to go through on Esson but the Northern Ireland international slipped his side-footed shot past the far post.

The champions were in total control and in the 63rd minute Papac sent a spectacular drive from 30 yards crashing off the Caley bar.

But in the 67th minute there was a shock for the home side when Tade raced down the left and cut the ball back for substitute Andrew Shinnie and the former Rangers player side-footed the ball past McGregor from eight yards.

The Ibrox fans booed because Jelavic was down injured after a tackle by Roman Golobart in the lead-up to the leveller.

In the 70th minute Foran had the ball in the net from an Andrew Shinnie free-kick but the flag was up for offside.

In the 77th minute McKay rounded McGregor and from an acute angle struck the post.

Caley”s Jonny Hayes went round McGregor and had a close-range shot cleared off the line by Wallace, before McGregor had to save from McKay with the home defence in disarray.

But in the 82nd minute, and against the run of play, Lafferty ran onto a Steven Davis pass and knocked the ball past Esson.