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Ronnie Esplin

Ronnie Esplin is a sports reporter based in Glasgow. He mainly covers Scottish Premiership football and the Scotland national team. He is also the author of and contributor to several books on football. His first PA news agency match report was in 1999 and he has since travelled to over 50 countries covering sports events, mostly football.

<p>Philippe Clement’s side were beaten 3-2 by Ross County</p>
Football

Rangers suffer shock defeat in blow to Premiership title hopes

<p>Sima celebrates scoring Rangers’ second against Celtic </p>
Football

Matondo ensures dramatic draw after Rangers fight back against Celtic

Steve Clarke (right) is confident Scotland will be ready for Euro 2024 (Jane Barlow/PA)
Football

Clarke dismisses Scotland concerns over seven-game winless streak

Northern Ireland’s Conor Bradley (right) scored against Scotland ( Jane Barlow/PA)
Football

Bradley’s strike gives Northern Ireland famous win over Scotland

<p>Scotland face Northern Ireland at Hampden </p>
Football

Scotland have ‘reacted well’ to Netherlands drubbing

Scotland need clean sheets says Ryan Porteous (Joris Verwijst/PA)
Football

Porteous calls on Scotland to tighten up as winless run goes on

Steve Clarke’s Scotland were hammered in Amsterdam (Joris Verwijst/PA)
Football

Scotland crumble as Netherlands claim comfortable friendly win

Scotland manager Steve Clarke felt pained after the Netherlands defeat (Joris Verwijst/PA)
Football

Steve Clarke bemoans ‘painful’ loss as Scotland crumble against the Netherlands

Rangers manager Philippe Clement unhappy with Dundee pitch after postponement (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Football

Philippe Clement furious with Dundee pitch after Rangers game is postponed

Ground staff work on the pitch at Dens Park (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Football

Rangers match at Dundee postponed due to a waterlogged pitch

<p>Captain James Tavernier scored twice from the penalty spot </p>
Football

Rangers go top of Scottish Premiership for first time in two years

Michael van Gerwen won in Glasgow (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Sport

Michael van Gerwen admits he is not in top form despite winning in Glasgow

Brendan Rodgers hits out at Celtic critics after cup win (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Football

Rodgers tells Celtic critics ‘we will have our day’ after cup win

Football

Rodgers tells Celtic critics ‘we will have our day’ after cup win

Brendan Rodgers hits out at Celtic critics after cup win (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Rangers manager Philippe Clement happy for Willie Collum to be in charge again (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Philippe Clement has no issue with Willie Collum despite Rangers’ complaint

<p>Celtic players celebrate after their Old Firm victory </p>
Football

Celtic take control of title race with hard-fought Old Firm win

Philippe Clement is set to experience his first Old Firm derby match as Rangers boss at Celtic (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Philippe Clement disappointed at lack of Rangers fans for Old Firm derby debut

<p>Two early goals were enough for Rangers to down Motherwell </p>
Football

Rangers close the gap on Celtic with wet and wild win over Motherwell

<p>Two early goals were enough for Rangers to down Motherwell </p>
Football

Rangers close the gap on Celtic with wet and wild win over Motherwell

Football

Rangers lift first trophy of Clement era with Viaplay Cup win

England manager Sarina Wiegman left disappointed despite 6-0 win over Scotland (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Wiegman lost for words as Lionesses stunned in Nations League finale

Football

Scotland sign off on Euro qualifying campaign with six-goal thriller

Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly finally made his Scotland debut against France (Jeff Holmes/PA)
Football

Goalkeeper Liam Kelly says Scotland debut was “the best moment” of his life

Scotland need to get back to winning ways, says manager Steve Clarke (Adam Davy/PA)
Football

Steve Clarke says Scotland have ‘lots to improve’ after defeat to France

<p>Scotland qualified for Euro 2024 on Sunday </p>
Football

Scotland come back to earth as France recover from early fright

Max Johnston (right, in Motherwell kit) has been called up for Scotland (Robert Perry/PA)
Football

Max Johnston handed first Scotland call-up

Scotland manager Steve Clarke will consign Spain defeat to history quickly (Isabel Infantes/PA)
Football

Clarke insists Scotland must move on from disappointing VAR decision

<p>Scotland qualified for Euro 2024 on Sunday </p>
Football

Scotland come back to earth as France recover from early fright

Max Johnston (right, in Motherwell kit) has been called up for Scotland (Robert Perry/PA)
Football

Max Johnston handed first Scotland call-up

Scotland manager Steve Clarke will consign Spain defeat to history quickly (Isabel Infantes/PA)
Football

Clarke insists Scotland must move on from disappointing VAR decision

Scotland manager Steve Clarke wants his side to secure qualification as early as possible (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Football

Steve Clarke confident Scotland’s best performance is good enough to match Spain

Football

Steve Clarke confident Scotland’s best performance is good enough to match Spain

Scotland manager Steve Clarke wants his side to secure qualification as early as possible (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Steven Davis retains faith in Rangers squad despite Europa League defeat (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Steven Davis remains confident in Rangers squad despite defeat to Limassol

<p>Interim manager Steven Davis was beaten in Cyprus </p>
Football

Managerless Rangers slip to abject Europa League defeat in Limassol

Michael Beale has departed Rangers (Jane Barlow/PA)
Football

Rangers sack Michael Beale following home defeat to Aberdeen

Michael Beale endured a ‘horrible day’ (Jane Barlow/PA)
Football

Michael Beale uncertain of Rangers future after ‘terrible’ Aberdeen result

Michael Beale endured a ‘horrible day’ (Jane Barlow/PA)
Football

Michael Beale uncertain of Rangers future after ‘terrible’ Aberdeen result

Rangers manager Michael Beale under pressure again (Jane Barlow/PA)
Football

Pressure mounts on Michael Beale as Rangers beaten at home by Aberdeen

Scotland faced a top-level England side, says Lewis Ferguson (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

‘Top-level’ England are the benchmark for improving Scotland – Lewis Ferguson

Steve Clarke was pleased with Scotland’s commitment (Petros Karadjias/AP)
Football

Clarke says Porteous block was highlight of Scotland’s win in Cyprus

Scott McTominay stars in Scotland win over Cyprus (Petros Karadjias/AP)
Football

Scott McTominay stars again as Scotland close on Euro 2024 spot with Cyprus win

Scotland manager Steve Clarke getting ready for Cyprus (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Football

Clarke did not seek Anderson assurance over Scotland allegiance

Rangers manager Michael Beale takes flak after Celtic defeat (Andew Milligan/PA)
Football

Michael Beale urges Rangers to ‘dust themselves down’ and be ready after break

Brendan Rodgers was pleased with Celtic’s derby victory (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

I have been placed on death watch by the media – Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers

<p>Kyogo Furuhashi scored the only goal of the game </p>
Football

Furuhashi the hero as Celtic earn Old Firm bragging rights

Rangers will drop into the Europa League (Tim Goode/PA)
Football

Rangers fail to qualify for Champions League after thrashing by PSV Eindhoven

Hibernian manager Lee Johnson shakes hands with Aston Villa manager Unai Emery before the Edinburgh side’s heavy defeat (Jane Barlow/PA)
Football

Lee Johnson saw ‘a gulf in class’ during Hibernian’s heavy defeat to Aston Villa

Rangers manager Michael Beale is still confident of Champions League progress (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Football

Rangers have ‘set up next week’ with Champions League draw – Michael Beale

Football

Rangers have ‘set up next week’ with Champions League draw – Michael Beale

Rangers manager Michael Beale is still confident of Champions League progress (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Abdallah Sima scored for Rangers against PSV (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Football

Rangers strike twice but PSV Eindhoven hit back to leave tie in the balance

Rangers manager Michael Beale was pleased with Livi win (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Rangers boss Michael Beale pleased to end ‘rough week’ on high note with big win

Sam Lammers scores the opener for Rangers against Livingston (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Rangers get up and running in Premiership with convincing win over Livingston

<p>Rangers captain James Tavernier nets penalty against Servette (Steve Welsh/PA)</p>
Football

‘Wasteful’ Rangers left with work to do after narrow win over Servette

<p>Rangers captain James Tavernier nets penalty against Servette (Steve Welsh/PA)</p>
Football

‘Wasteful’ Rangers left with work to do after narrow win over Servette

Brad Lyons scored the only goal of the game to help Kilmarnock defeat Rangers (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Rangers stunned by Kilmarnock as season begins with defeat at Rugby Park

Scott McTominay (centre) celebrates scoring Scotland’s second goal (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Football

Scotland beat Georgia – and the weather – to move eight points clear

Josh Taylor, right, suffered his first defeat to Teofimo Lopez (Frank Franklin II/AP)
Boxing

Taylor says move to welterweight is ‘imminent’ after first career loss

Josh Taylor loses for first time (Steve Welsh/PA)
Sport

Lopez hands Taylor his first defeat with decision win in New York

Rangers will have new look next season, says manager Michael Beale (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Fans will see ‘new Rangers team come together’ next season – Michael Beale

Fashion Sakala scores double in Rangers win against St Mirren (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Fashion Sakala bags brace as Rangers sign off with victory at St Mirren

Rangers James Tavernier (right) scores against Hibernian (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Football

James Tavernier marks 400th Rangers appearance with goal in win over Hibernian

Celtic’s Callum McGregor celebrates scoring (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Football

McGregor rescues point for Celtic from dramatic draw with St Mirren

Football

Rangers hammer champions Celtic in one-sided Old Firm clash

Inverness’ Billy Mckay nets his penalty against Falkirk (Steve Welsh/pa)
Football

Billy Mckay nets double as Inverness beat Falkirk to reach Scottish Cup final

Corach Rambler with trainer Lucinda Russell (left) and Peter Scudamore (Steve Welsh/PA)
Racing

Locals gather to salute National hero Corach Rambler

Racing

Locals gather to salute National hero Corach Rambler

Corach Rambler with trainer Lucinda Russell (left) and Peter Scudamore (Steve Welsh/PA)
Rangers manager Michael Beale has condemned the abuse aimed at referee Kevin Clancy (Malcolm Mackenzie/PA)
Football

Michael Beale condemns abuse received by Kevin Clancy following Old Firm defeat

Football

Rangers blame VAR as Celtic win derby to take huge step towards title

Scotland’s John McGinn was pleased with the game plan against Spain (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Football

McGinn responds to Rodri comments: ‘Wasting time? Absolutely’

Scotland manager Steve Clarke, right, is happy with the start made to qualifying (Jane Barlow/PA)
Football

Steve Clarke urges Scotland to build on Cyprus display in Spain challenge

Scotland manager Steve Clarke, right, is happy with the start made to qualifying (Jane Barlow/PA)
Football

Steve Clarke urges Scotland to build on Cyprus display in Spain challenge

<p>Scott McTominay scored in the 87th and 90th minute to seal the win </p>
Football

McTominay’s double helps Scotland make rare winning start

Steve Clarke has signed a new deal with Scotland (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Football

Clarke vows to keep Scotland fans ‘entertained’ after signing new deal

Scotland’s Lyndon Dykes is healthy again after his ‘scary’ illness (Andrew Milligan/PA).
Football

‘Scary’ pneumonia battle left me struggling to breathe – Lyndon Dykes

Scotland assistant John Carver is unhappy with the Oriam training pitch (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Football

John Carver says Scotland’s training pitch at Oriam is ‘safety hazard’

Michael Beale tells protesting fans of Ross Wilson’s virtues (Robert Perry/PA)
Football

Beale defends Rangers sporting director Wilson after fan protest

Celtic’s manager Ange Postecoglou has responded to Leeds speculation (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Leeds speculation is ‘just noise’ for focused Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou

Celtic’s Daizen Maeda (right) celebrates with Aaron Mooy after opening the scoring against St Mirren (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Celtic ease into last eight of Scottish Cup with win against 10-man St Mirren

Malik Tillman celebrates after opening the scoring for Rangers against Ross County (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Rangers made to work by Ross County but Michael Beale run continues

Livingston will show no fear against Celtic, according to David Martindale (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Martindale: Livingston respect Celtic rather than fear them

Rangers’ Borna Barisic scores against St Johnstone (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Football

Rangers hang on for nervy win over St Johnstone to progress in Scottish Cup

Kilmarnock should have had a Hampden penalty, says Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Kilmarnock denied clear penalty in Viaplay Cup defeat to Celtic – Derek McInnes

Daizen Maeda (right) netted Celtic’s first-half opener (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Daizen Maeda and Giorgos Giakoumakis on target as Celtic reach Viaplay Cup final

Michael Beale looking to freshen up Rangers squad (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Beale looking to ‘turn heat up’ at Rangers with new signings

Rangers’ Fashion Sakala (centre) opens the scoring against Dundee United (Jane Barlow/PA)
Football

Fashion Sakala and Malik Tillman fire Rangers to victory over Dundee United

Football

Postecoglou hails Celtic mentality after late goal earns Old Firm draw

<p>Celtic's Callum McGregor (right) and Kyogo Furuhashi celebrate</p>
Football

Celtic snatch late equaliser at Rangers to retain Premiership lead

Rangers’ Fashion Sakala (centre) opens the scoring against Dundee United (Jane Barlow/PA)
Football

Fashion Sakala and Malik Tillman fire Rangers to victory over Dundee United

Football

Postecoglou hails Celtic mentality after late goal earns Old Firm draw

<p>Celtic's Callum McGregor (right) and Kyogo Furuhashi celebrate</p>
Football

Celtic snatch late equaliser at Rangers to retain Premiership lead

Steven Davis has been ruled out for the rest of the season (Martin Rickett/PA)
Football

Beale insists Davis still has future at Rangers

Chairperson David McPhee at The Scottish Mental Health and Wellbeing League Cup draw (David McPhee)
Football

Positivity prevails as Mental Health and Wellbeing League nears exciting finale

John McGinn is still hurting over Scotland missing out on the World Cup (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

John McGinn still hurting over Scotland missing out on the World Cup

Scotland boss Steve Clarke sees mixed bag in Turkey defeat (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Steve Clarke left with mixed feelings after Scotland lose friendly to Turkey

John McGinn, centre, struck for Scotland (AP)
Football

Scotland slip to defeat in Turkey

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst under pressure after St Johnstone defeat (Jane Barlow/PA)
Football

Van Bronckhorst aware of increasing pressure after fresh Rangers blow

Robbie Neilson’s Hearts go down in Turkey (Steve Welsh/PA)
Football

Hearts end Europa Conference League campaign with defeat in Turkey

<p>Rangers players look dejected after Ajax players celebrate their second goal</p>
Football

Rangers end dismal Champions League campaign with unwanted record

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