Tales from the tabs: Fernando ricksen's booze battle

WITH Sunday's first Old Firm clash of the season almost upon us, the tabloids have, predictably, been getting into a derby frenzy, with the usual suspects featuring in the big-game build-up.

The Sun however had a genuine exclusive in their Old Firm special - an interview with Fernando Ricksen in which the former Rangers defender revealed he is an alcoholic.

The 34-year-old Dutchman, who has now hung up his boots, was famously kicked out of the Ibrox club after an in-flight drinking binge en route to South Africa in 2006. He said: "I know I have an alcohol problem and I can't deny it. When I begin drinking I keep going until I collapse and fall on the floor. My biggest problem is I can't say no. I have totally messed up everything, including my marriage."

Meanwhile, another former Ibrox hero, John Brown, believes that with as many as eight Celtic players likely to be making their Old Firm debuts at Parkhead, there is a chance the 'new Bhoys' could freeze - which will play right into Rangers' hands. Speaking in the Daily Record, Brown said: "I think that's a big factor. This Rangers team has been over the course before and know how to cope in a cauldron, which is exactly what Parkhead is."