stewarty

He was rarely tested defensively, such was our dominance. So a good game for him to get under his belt in terms of building his game back up.

Thoroughly enjoyable viewing last night. A midfield masterclass from Jack - really pleasing to see him continue to improve his game. Thoroughly deserved his new contract. Loved Alfy's petted lip when he was getting subbed. Exactly what we want to see - a striker who loves playing and scoring. Pleasing also to see Murphy get 30 minutes. We miss the clever way he moves and takes up positions to create space. I'd like to see Murphy and Kent play in the wide forward positions together - what a torrid time they would give defenders.

Good question. Morelos McCoist Laudrup Albertz Gascoigne

Often with players at this stage, a new contract triggers a loan move since we then retain an option on their services should they kick on. I fancy he will move to a 6 month loan in January.

Thats fair. Although personally so long as the project is the for the benefit of C1872 members and the wider Rangers support, I would like to think that there would not be competition as such, so long as there are funds available. Perhaps the issue here is whether there is a pipeline of project ideas that are being developed and the stage at which these are brought to the membership for ratification. I would personally prefer that fully developed and costed ideas only are ratified, as to bring forward things that for varying reasons are not implemented, would only create confusion and additional work for little gain.

I'm sure there was a vote about whether C1872 should be allocating funds for shares/projects and what the split should be?

I voted for each of these proposals and I will vote for the share purchase too. In terms of the projects, the ones proposed seemed to fit with my understanding of what such projects would entail, so I didn't have an issue with them. Where I would agree though is in relation to the points made about the purpose of C1872 funds and having these clearly stated and, if necessary, tested in terms of membership support.

I saw a link on twitter last night talking about some sort of argument between the "heavyweights" of English and Stewart... After I had stopped snorting with laughter I quickly moved on. No need to click on the link as it would clearly have been a lot of manufactured outrage and ego.

I really hope Tav finds some form as I don't think we can afford any more lapses in his concentration. Kent has to start for me. Even if you only get 55-60 minutes out of him, we will need someone who can carry the ball and cause problems up the left hand side to take the pressure off Tav/ Arfield on the right since thats where a lot of our attacking play is focused.

Did Gerrard make a mistake in not training on that surface the day before the game? There were times where we misplaced passes and got caught out as they seemed to glide past us with the extra confidence of being comfortable with the pitch. And being very generous, Tav seemed to misjudge the bounce for their second goal.

Sadly I think you are right. International recognition, and hopefully some goals, will hopefully bolster his sell-on value.

Middleton has since been quoted in the press about having to learn the other side of the game and how he feels he has a better understanding of how he can benefit the team. All good stuff - and as said I'd prefer he was doing this learning in an a competitve environment where any potential mistakes don't cost us

If he's going to bring in Shankland, why not Gilmour? The Russia game is a write-off anyway, so what is to be lost?

Given how lightweight Barisic has been in the tackle up to now (last night aside), Kasdorp probably deserves the stick!

So many good performances, but again Alfy for me because of the way he constantly put them on the back foot and allowed us to get up the pitch. Without that, I think they would have caused us more problems.

No, you’re not. There was a bit of chat around Allen’s appointment and then Gerrard’s appointment to that effect. I seem to recall a piece on the club website, or perhaps in the papers where the process was explained.

I did wonder whether he and Gerrard got on with each other.

As far as I understand, each FA is able to set their own rules to an extent. So long as you haven't got a full cap for another country, you can become a citizen of Mongolia and play for their national team, should their FA allow it. The difficulty we have in Scotland is related to the unique status of the home nations within the UK. Because from a state point of view, we all have British passports so there would be nothing to stop Scots, Welsh and NI players representing England, unless there was some restriction. I'm sure someone else could give a clearer explanation, but that is the gist of it I think. And as I say above, the element about younger players having 5 years of schooling in Scotland becoming eligible to play in Scotland, is to do with Gordon Smith. This is the route that Jordan Rhodes took to qualifying to play for Scotland.

Its for each individual to identify how they wish, really. There is an interesting one coming up with a 17yo on our books, Murray Miller, being invited to train with Australia and is potentially going to be called up to one of their squads. He has played age groups for Scotland up till now, but qualifies for Oz having been born there. Its down to the boy himself what he chooses. I think he has Scottish parents who moved back from Oz, so you can see why he might identify as both Scottish and Australian.

Ordinarily I would agree, but I think the extension to kids who have spent 5 years at school here and are in effect, naturalised Scots, I'm okay with that if they are willing to commit to playing for us. Many other nations have much less stringent rules and give out passports to suit their needs. I have more issue with those

You can see why Jack would be keen to perform in training given its taken so long for him to get another call up. But also, in the midst of a training, he might not have known it would be such a lengthy session and got caught up in the middle of it, without thinking about his knee. The bottom line here is that the SFA have a duty of care and that extends to liaising with each player's club and managing any known conditions they have. The SFA are bang to rights here, unless Jack himself has ignored advice and should have known better.

Its only related to someone who has gone to school in Scotland for 5 years so really you would need to be in Scotland from age 12, maybe 13 max, and even then only qualify once you are 18. The reason I say that is because I've heard Gordon Smith mention it about his time as SFA CEO and how he brought this rule in.

He doesn't qualify for Scotland I don't think. Pretty sure the only way you can become naturalised is if you went to school for a period of years in Scotland - I think it might be 5.

There's quite a bit of unrest among the Hearts support. But the way Levein took on the manager role, and the level of influence he has as Director of Football, they've backed themselves into a corner.

Agree but we also need to factor in his ability to make a difference in big games, such as vs Them. We will know at the end of the season whether this particular gamble pays off.