Masters Football LIVE as Jermain Defoe pulls out for Rangers ahead of opening clash with Aberdeen

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The revived Masters Football tournament is back for another year and it's the Granite City's turn to host the iconic indoor six-a-side event.Heroes of yester-year from Aberdeen, Celtic, Dundee United and Rangers will renew acquaintances in the four-team round-robin tournament at The Event Complex Aberdeen, where each team will play each other in two halves of eight minutes before the top two teams then square off in the grand final.

The star studded cast includes Pittodrie legends Russell Anderson and Eoin Jess, Celtic favourites Stiliyan Petrov and Gary Hooper, Rangers heros Kris Boyd and Barry Ferguson and former Dundee United stars Paul Gallacher and Craig Conway.Celtic will be out to defend their crown after defeating Hibernian in the final in Braehead last year, with ex striker Hooper grabbing the golden boot.

These old pros may have hung up their boots in a professional sense, but with pride and a piece of silverware at stake expect tackles and harsh words to be exchanged from the very first whistle. You can follow the latest edition of the Masters tournament live from Aberdeen right here with us! Gary Hooper scooped up the golden boot last year to help Celtic claim the Masters title.Will the former Hoops and Premier League striker be able to replicate his exploits in front of goal this time around?We will shortly be getting underway in the Granite City.And what better way for it to kick-off with the hosts taking on Rangers!Former midfielder Willo Flood was due to play for Dundee United but has been replaced by Morgaro Gomis.Dundee United squad: Morgaro Gomis, Craig Conway, Gary Kenneth, John Rankin, Paul Gallacher, Mark Wilson, Danny Swanson, Jon DalyHere is the Hoops side that are hoping to defend their Masters