Rangers 0 - 2 Celtic

[craig 5,195]

Cant make McCall a measuring stick??!?? Eh?? Cant expect players to reach such a standard? With that statement no wonder Scotland and Scottish football drops behind. We should be aiming for better. Your a company man - does your employer say to you that you wont do as good as someone 20 years ago? Utter nonsense. Did Sir Alex Ferguson build 4 or 5 teams based on the game going downhill regardless of money? You have stated a flawed argument - and it sounds like just for the purpose of it.

 

And once again I havent compared him to anyone especially of yesteryear. I said he isnt that "type" of player.

 

Sorry for just having higher expectations of what I have seen.

 

You must have missed the last 5 years Gribz. How much would you actually pay for a McCall in today's market ? And is it realistic of us to expect we could get someone like him ?

 

Further, you said "Jack hasn't impressed me" - so, given who Pedro has at his disposal, who does he replace Jack with given he hasn't impressed you ? Because it wont be Stuart McCall.

 

If my Company goes from being able to spend more than any other competitor in the market by 5 times to having to spend a fraction of what that nearest competitor now spends then, yes, you are unlikely to get someone as good. If your company were paying top salaries 20 years ago (and therefore obtaining top talent because of it) and they now are paying much less than even mediocre companies do you honestly expect to attract that top talent ? Of course you don't.

 

And you say I'm the one talking nonsense ???

 

Sir Alex Ferguson built 4 or 5 teams as a manager who was always able to outspend his main competitors. It is a silly comparison because the EPL has, and still is, an attractive place to play. And Man U did, and still do, pay top wages. The game down south hasn't deteriorated.

 

So what is this flawed argument ?

 

I contend it is YOU that has a flawed argument - because your reason for being unimpressed by Jack is based on comparing him to a player who played 20 years ago when Rangers were paying top wages, even compared with the biggest English teams.

 

It isn't about having higher expectations. Jack hasn't impressed you - who replaces him from the current crop that would do better ? It isn't about expectations, its about realism.

[craig 5,195]

Why would Miller's "experience" be a help tomorrow? As far as I am concerned, as many players who played in the last OF game that are NOT playing tomorrow, the better. That type of experience is not one I want to see repeated.

 

Another thing, some saying play Miller in midfield. Does nobody remember the last OF game where he chased Brown about the park like a lost schoolboy? Or the Hogmanay game where he missed a sitter in the last minute that would have gave us a draw?

 

The one thing that is absolutely without doubt and beyond debate is that Miller playing tomorrow weakens our team, and with our best (and only) real defender out, and our Captain missing we certainly dont need a passenger of this sub-standard anywhere near the game.

 

If we are short of midfield players, play Barjonas. If we are short up front, (which thankfully we are not) play Hardie. Under no circumstances play Miller. There is no recent evidence anywhere that he can make a positive contribution to an OF game. Have a look back at last season's games if you have blocked out just how bad he played in the OF games last season. Constantly playing Miller in big games was a mistake that the last two permanent managers continually made and it cost them their jobs.

 

Miller rant over! Well at least until 11.00 tomorrow and I see the official team line-up!

 

The only surprise to this post is that it took you so long in the week to make it

[pete 2,499]

I don't think McCall could lace Ryan Jack's boots.

 

 

In fact I don't think he could have laced his own boots.

[craig 5,195]

I don't think McCall could lace Ryan Jack's boots.

 

 

In fact I don't think he could have laced his own boots.

 

That video always raises a chuckle. But what a player Stuart McCall was, for every team he played for in fact.

[SteveC 150]

That video always raises a chuckle. But what a player Stuart McCall was, for every team he played for in fact.

 

I am having difficulties on my phone here. You'd think I was excited or nervous or something just because it's my first game of the season tomorrow.

 

McCall was something to have in the team. I remember one season when I thought that he was our MoM in every game despite bigger names/natural talents in the side.

[Tannochsidebear 2,314]

The only surprise to this post is that it took you so long in the week to make it

 

Been busy with other things mate! I must do better!

[ian1964 10,415]

Utter Shambles Bruno Alves should be at Ibrox for Old Firm clash..whoever sanctioned his trip to Spain should hang their heads in shame, says Kris Boyd.

 

The defender may not be able to play against Celtic, but he could still be doing a vital job as part of the team.

 

INJURED or not, Bruno Alves should be at Ibrox doing everything he can to help Rangers get a result against Celtic.

 

The fact he’s in Madrid is an utter shambles.

 

There’s no other way to describe this situation, which, quite frankly, sums up everything that seems to happen at my old club these days.Alves may not be able to play at Ibrox, but he could still be doing a vital job as part of the squad.

 

Whoever sanctioned his trip to Spain should hang their heads in shame.It’s an absolute disgrace.Let me tell you here and now, the Portugal international doesn’t need to be anywhere other than Murray Park for treatment to his injury.

 

I’ve worked with the Rangers medical staff and they’re the best in the business.No, Alves should be in Glasgow, not in Spain.

 

I know how it works. Players with injuries tend to get time off to get treatment. But he could have flown out to Spain on Wednesday morning and been back by now.

Whether he was able to play or not, he could still have played a major part in this afternoon’s clash with Celtic.

 

He could be sitting alongside young Ross McCrorie before kick-off and giving him help, advice and encouragement the kid may desperately need.

 

At half-time he could be in the dressing room giving him pointers.I just find it staggering that Alves has been allowed to leave Glasgow the day before such an important match.

I’ll be honest, I don’t think it’s a major loss to Rangers that he’s not facing Celtic. For me, the young lad McCrorie can handle this game.

 

But what I will say — and I’m sure I’ll get criticised for it — is that it only underlines the lack of togetherness at that club right now.Well, they better get their finger out today because Rangers have to win this game.

 

If they don’t they can forget about winning the championship here and now.I’m well aware it’s a long shot anyway.

 

Even if they did win this game and bring Celtic’s unbeaten run to an end Brendan Rodgers’ men would still be huge favourites to go on and win the title next May.

 

But if Rangers lose they will be eight points adrift of Celtic and they’re simply not going to claw that back. Not. A. Chance. Let’s be realistic, in terms of their league campaign, their season would be over.

 

All they would be fighting for would be second spot and, frankly, that’s not good enough when we’re not even into October.

 

Listen, no one really expects them to finish top of the Premier League.

 

But if they’re out of contention this early then their manager will have some serious questions to answer.

 

How he’ll answer them, only he knows, because most of the stuff Caixinha has been coming out with this season has been utterly laughable.

 

What about his stuff the other day about Alfredo Morelos?

 

Caixinha decided to highlight his flaws by pointing out that he’s got a fiery temper and will need to keep his cool this afternoon.I’m sorry, but what exactly is he playing at?

Was it some sort of attempt to get into the referee’s head before kick-off?Maybe it was, but that sort of thing never works.

 

It also won’t have had any effect on Celtic because they’ll not be worried about Rangers in the slightest.It pains me to say that, it really does.

 

Rodgers is clearly a manager who focuses 100 per cent on his own team and what they’re going to do. He won’t have spent any time worrying about Morelos.

 

The thing is, the striker WILL need to keep his head straight because I predict a frustrating afternoon for him.He’s not going to get the touches he’s had in previous games, so it’s vital he stays calm.

 

He can’t get involved in anything daft, otherwise he will end up getting involved in things that he doesn’t need.It’s going to be a long afternoon for Rangers, so they need to keep 11 men on the pitch for the 90 minutes.

 

I’ll be very interested to see the team Caixinha picks.

 

The way it’s shaping up though, he’s going to have five or six players with no experience of this fixture. That’s a handful of players who could be blown away by it.

 

Will Kenny Miller play? That’s another interesting one because, for me, Caixinha must pick him if he wants to keep the ball in the final third.

 

Without his movement and ability to hold it up, the ball is just going to keep coming back.It will be wave after wave of Celtic attacks and if that’s the way it turns out then, inevitably, Rangers will lose.

 

And the supporters just won’t accept another humiliation like the last 5-1 defeat.

[ian1964 10,415]

I just can't see how we are going to win this match!, in fact I am dreading the match!, another hammering is on the cards!.

 

Tin hat on and await the abuse now for me I suppose!.

[Gaffer 1,665]

I just can't see how we are going to win this match!, in fact I am dreading the match!, another hammering is on the cards!.

 

Tin hat on and await the abuse now for me I suppose!.

 

Just because Alves is not watching it at Ibrox? (Only kidding, but that article from Boyd is just reflective of someone who isn't in Alves' class, and will never appreciate what it's like to be a world class winner. These are not regular fans we're talking about here. Alves is a top athlete who understands the importance of treating injuries immediately with the best possible medical support. Every minute matters, so why would you risk waiting? Alves is a class act. Boyd is a class clown.)

 

You won't be alone in fearing another hammering, and there's no doubt that these injuries have come at the worst time possible, but I get the sense that the players are confident. PC seems to have an air of calm and confidence about him, and that will usually rub off on the players. We are not expected to win today, and everything suggests we won't, but in many ways these are the interesting games because we have very little to lose.

 

I can't wait for the game. I just hope Morelos blasts one in early. After that, anything can happen. He's got a ton of pressure on his shoulders, but he seems like he's someone who enjoys that. It'll be his temperament that will be tested more than anything but he's got the chance to be a hero today. They all have.

[ian1964 10,415]

Just because Alves is not watching it at Ibrox? (Only kidding, but that article from Boyd is just reflective of someone who isn't in Alves' class, and will never appreciate what it's like to be a world class winner. These are not regular fans we're talking about here. Alves is a top athlete who understands the importance of treating injuries immediately with the best possible medical support. Every minute matters, so why would you risk waiting? Alves is a class act. Boyd is a class clown.)

 

You won't be alone in fearing another hammering, and there's no doubt that these injuries have come at the worst time possible, but I get the sense that the players are confident. PC seems to have an air of calm and confidence about him, and that will usually rub off on the players. We are not expected to win today, and everything suggests we won't, but in many ways these are the interesting games because we have very little to lose.

 

I can't wait for the game. I just hope Morelos blasts one in early. After that, anything can happen. He's got a ton of pressure on his shoulders, but he seems like he's someone who enjoys that. It'll be his temperament that will be tested more than anything but he's got the chance to be a hero today. They all have.

 

Me dreading the game and fearing another hammering is nothing to do with Alves missing the match!, or the Boyd article!.

 

Alves is a quality player but I don't think he has played anywhere near as good as he can and am fairly confident the young man will handle the occasion, I just don't have confidence in our team, coupled with the poor refereeing standard I just can't see how we will cope!.

 

I really hope I am so wrong!