Super_Ally

Had heard reports he was struggling but did not know if it was true. At least we'll have consistency in the back four. As I said, I could pick numerous formations and line-ups for the rest. Midfield from: Mendes, Davis, Hemdani (Perhaps), Adam, Dailly Edu, Aaron, Novo, Lafferty, Beasley Forwards from: Boyd, Novo, Darche, Velicka Maybe missed a couple. Would maybe go 4-4-2 Davis Mendes Hemdani Beasley Boyd Novo A combination of what I would do and what Smith is likely to do. Don't really like Hemdani in the middle with Davis out right, but with few striking options I would play Novo uptop with Boyd, which only really leaves Davis available for the right. The defensive qualities of Hemdani might complement the creativity of Mendes better than Davis in any case, although if one plays with discipline i'm sure Davis and Mendes have the ability to compliment each other. Could easily go with about a dozen different line ups though.

With Cousin, Miller, Thomson and possibly Weir all out from the team that won at Parkhead, along with Lafferty still being unavailable, it makes picking this weekends team hard to predict. If Weir is still out the back four should still be easy: Whittaker Broadfoot Bougherra Papac. But with the forward line from our last game both unavailable for different reason and a key midfielder also out there are numerous permeatations to formations and player selections and right now they all seem as good/bad as each other. Never found it so difficult to pick my XI when there's still so many options.

Just because Lafferty has the most similar physique, doesn't mean he will be anything the same in style. Would need to see him play more before I could comment. Would be a big loss with Thomson. Not sure who I would like to draught in with him and Fergie out. Maybe not fair to throw Edu in in such a situation.

As has been said, shouldn't laugh..... Kirk should play tomorrow though, Alexander made no attempt to get forward and offered very little at all.

My post from the match thread. Think my ambivolence (sp) towards the game stemmed from the same reasons as the OP. A team full of Celtic players and 1 Rangers player (who I don't particularly rate). My attitude is perhaps changing towards national football as I age, or it was a one off response to the lack of representation from us and over-representation from them. I have experience the unfortunate events of (mainly) tims abusing (mainly) Ferguson at Scotland games, such as the Italy one where he as one of the few players who didn't look out of place against such quality opposition. Before I think I used to celebrate a Scotland goal just as much, whoever scored it. Now I think maybe I was kidding myself. I always prefer a Rangers player to make a key contribution. I don't even mind, for example, Sheep Players playing and playing well. In all honestly i'd prefer none of the Celtic team to play. I got annoyed with previous managers, Eck and Walter, not playing certain players as it affected the OF balance. That is why Hutton did not get capped much, much earlier for example (stop using this phrase :L). Burley certianly didn't worry about this when he played 5 (+1 sub) of the Celtic team who got pumped the previous weekend. The Celtic team and midfield in particualr are in rank form, and yet made up 3 of the 4 midfield places. Burley was handicapped by call offs and a weak squad selection. However, how Brown and Robson started in the wide midifield berths, and more galling, how Hartley played at all, when he could have played Commons (who looked particulalry exciting) is unbelievable. To also include Alexander who is past it at the expense of Braodfoot was also a poor decision. Yes many, including bears and Burley himself, deride Broadfoot. But he was the only option at RB in that squad. Alexander is not, and arguably never was, good enough. in fact, not picking Broadfoot over Alexander smacks of a typical problem in international football and one which contributed to Hutton's delayed entry to international football. The old mantra of experience, or more accurately picking crap players merely because they have earned more caps before. It's why Hartley and Caldwell make every Scotland squad. Because a previous manager has given them caps they are now guaranteed to feature in every squad until they retire due to their experience. And this superceded form and actual ability. It's pathetic and braver mangament is required. Fortunately, when everyone is fully fit, my malaise towards the national squad should be rescinded. A first choice Scotland team would arguably look something like: Gordon Hutton McManus Caldwell Naysmith Brown Ferguson Fletcher Robson McFadden Miller 3 tims, 3 bears (if you include Hutton ). Personally I would look at replacing Naysmith although we need a youngster to come through, perhaps McEvely could step up again (what happened to him) or if Smith gets back to form. I would also drop Caldwell, he is terrible. I would currently retain Weir, until Berra or Barr for example demonstrate enough quality to take over and carry us into tournaments Weir will no longer be playing for. I am not entirely comfortable with Robson at LM either, but am struggling for options there. Personally I would drop Miller for Boyd too. McGregor is also pushing Gordon hard as well, he cannot afford a sustained drop in form. My realistic best XI would be: Gordon Hutton Weir McManus Naysmith/A.N.Other Brown Ferguson Fletcher Robson/A.N.Other McFadden Boyd 2 tims, with Robson hopefully replaced. Brown also needs to improve his form or his place is in doubt. 4 Bears inc. Hutton, with Thomson and McGregor to potentially come in. Thomson would infact be a better bet then either Brown or Robson presently, but they have a more natural ability to play wide. A further option might be: Gordon Hutton Weir McManus Naymsith (for now) Brown Fletcher Ferguson Thomson McFadden Boyd With Brown and McFadden pushed up on either wing. Although this brings up the 4-5-1 Boyd debate, so maybe a different forward. Anyway, in a rather jumbled and disorganised manner, I think that about sums up all my current thoughts on the situation of the national team.

My views on this are probably nearer to yours than Cotter's. The motives behind this are not quite what the organisers would have you beleive. It's definitely a lot to do with a giruy to the media and Celtic/anti-Gers people. But I would not go as far as Cotter does in his protestations. I had actually forgotten the flag day TBO organised, that looked fantastic. Hopefully as you say a "proper" Scottish day will be organised. If we did that and then also, for example a Spanish day or something else, the media/Celtic would not have a leg to stand on in trying to tarnish our supports name.

It's a shame that a Scotland/Scottish day wouldn't be supported with such fervour considering Scotland is the country that gave us the club that we all support and has contributed the most to the club's success. Not to say there is anything wrong with an Ulster day, but my point remains none the less.

Wouldn't be sorry to see him leave tbh. Just not suited to the game here.

Well we went 4-4-2 and we cuffed them on their own patch. With Cousin's departure, the main points of this thread are even more pertinent. We really can no longer play 4-5-1 as we just don't have the target man to lead the line the way Cousin did os effectively at Parkhead. Hopefully we'll stick with 4-4-2 for the rest of the season, or at least not utilise a formation that isolates an ineffectual lone striker.

Just top placed side qualifies. Gordon will start, but strong in the goalkeeping department. In the squad crap defence, crap midfield and the forwards lack quality and depth in back up. Terrible, terrible squad not helped by call-offs and injuries. Least I ever remember looking forward to a Scotland game.

Bmck, what ascender says is true, he did go on to praise KB. Doesn't make him any less of an idiot imo.

A questionable penalty given to the Scots u21s against Slovenia for an "elbow". From one angle it looked a sore one, from another in the replya you realised it was a clean header, probably given for leading with the elbow and would support the theory that referees have been given a directive on this. Poor decision imo.

That was the point mate. I know many fans hold this opinion but it is terrible, terrible management for Burley to come out and say it. I never said Burely was crap, I said he was an idiot. So whether or not I or other fans wanted him to manage us is irrelevant. His comments are stupid. Call up a player then openly slate his ability. Terrible man management, that much should be obvious even to non-football fans.

Referred to Braodfoot as having "limited ability" after giving him his first call up. Then went on to talking about him playing opposite "one of the best wide players in Britain". Well after Sunday's game either McGeady is shite or kirk doesn not have limited ability. It's one or the other, can't be both. I know some fans may question hsi ability, but that's irrelevant. Why would the national manager who just called him into his squad say that? Absolute idiot.

Before the Old Firm game Strachan asked God for guidance. The Big yin said "go forth". And they did. Behind rangers, killie and Hearts. :devil: Some of you may have heard it before, but for those who haven't enjoy.

Pete, facts of the Lennon story are not currently known. But there are suggestions he was the instigator. Seems suspicious he doesn't want to involve the police.

No. The country part of the co-efficient comes from the results of all the club sides in European competition. Have a look at Bert Kassies website, (should be easily googled) as I bet he explains it.

Whilst my feelings on Miller are not as strong as MF's, I didn't want him to sign because I believe him to be a crap footballer, I think his post is well written and although many may not share his feelings, well reasoned.

Hemdani is murder at CB, at least when we're talking Scottish football and that's all we have this year. A CB who can't tackle or header is useless. The lack of cover for Weir is a worry.

For me it's not outrage, just a want to see him treated as any other player would be for his behaviour. Would the Hamilton keeper get away with Boruc's antics?

You may have a point although can you play advantage in a penalty situation unless the ball falls to a strikers feet at an open goal? It wasn't an advantage really at the time of the incident but we turned it into one.

Didn't look at the date before posting this. Didn't realise the internationals were up so early.

The big two in Scotland meeting next week at Ibrox. :devil: Rangers leading Killie on goal difference. Will be a fun preview to write. Not looking to do it btw, jus back off holiday then. Will be a good one for noising up the rabid one's tho.

May not have cost us any points yesterday but still think the Cousin sending off should go in here.

Agreed there, if he is to go, make it permanent.