Everton 'locked in' as Rangers replacement for Sydney Super Cup as organisers end hunt for Celtic opponent

The Ibrox side backed out of the controversial tournament following a heated reaction from fans.

English Premier League side Everton have agreed to step into the void left by Rangers in the Sydney Super Cup and will face Celtic in November, according to a report.

The tournament was handed a major blow when the Ibrox club dramatically withdrew, which brought to an end the chance of Glasgow giants going head to head outside of Scotland for the first time at the 83,500 seater Accor Stadium. Celtic, Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers are all still advertised to compete in the tournament in November, which the Parkhead side had billed as Ange Postecoglou 's homecoming.

Reports in Australia had suggested that Frank Lampard's outfit were in discussions over joining the four-team tournament, which is due to take place during while the World Cup is ongoing in Qatar later this year. FTBL state The Toffees are "locked in" for the tournament after organisers had been "scrambling" to replace Rangers for clashes with Celtic and Western Sydney Wanderers.

Everton previously toured Australia in 2010 when Socceroos great Tim Cahill was part of their line-up. The tournament is due to take place between November 16 and 20.

Celtic had been set to face off against Sydney FC and then Gio van Bronckhorst's side during the winter break before the reshuffle of the competition. However, they will now test themselves against Lampard's men and could face off against former Rangers full-back Nathan Patterson.

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