Celtic say mid-season tour is now ‘bigger and better’ as Everton replace rivals Rangers

Celtic say their mid-season tour of Australia is “bigger and better” after a Premier League giant replaced their Old Firm rivals Rangers.

The Gers pulled out of the tournament after backlash from their supporters, which included a banner being unfurled at Ibrox, which stated: ‘Money over morals, no derby friendlies’.

Celtic fans also weren’t happy with the original competition concept and had their own banner which read: ‘Shove your ‘Old Firm’ friendly up your a***’.

However, the Toffees have now replaced Rangers and their arch-rivals seem pretty chuffed about it.

“The Sydney Super Cup just got bigger and better!” the Scottish champions tweeted after Frank Lampard’s side were confirmed as the fourth team that will take part in the tournament.

Celtic will take on Everton in the newly-created competition at the Accor Stadium on November 20, with squad players who aren’t going to the World Cup taking part.

That clash will be part of a three-match series that will also feature Australian sides Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou and his new assistant Harry Kewell will return to Australia, with the Hoops boss having won the Asian Cup with the national team in 2015.