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How damaging will Rangers defeat to Kilmarnock prove and will David Turnbull become Celtic regular? Monday Jury

The new Premiership season kicked off and the Record Sport experts debate the big talking points from the weekend.

Rangers backfired on the opening day of the Premiership season but just how damaging will the Killie defeat prove?

KEITH JACKSON: There's plenty of time to make up for it if it proves to be a one off blip. But if performances like this become a pattern then Michael Beale will very quickly have a major situation on his hands. When there is no margin for error repeating the same old mistakes only ends one way.


DAVID McCARTHY: It's not helpful, that's for sure. The performance was more worrying than the result because they looked miles off it and if they don't gel quickly, the title race will be over before it has started.


CRAIG SWAN: It's early days and Rangers will improve. But it already gives opponents belief they can be damaged. That's not what Michael Beale needs.


READ MORE: Jack Butland not seeking Rangers panic button with Celtic title chase reminder sent in defiant setback stance

FRASER WILSON: The pressure is intensified on Rangers already whereas Beale would have been looking to crank up the early heat on Celtic. Rangers have looked a bit blunt in pre-season and that continued at Killie. If that’s set the tone for the season then Beale is in big trouble.


David Turnbull hit two for Celtic but can he force his way into a regular spot in the Hoops midfield and earn a new deal?

KEITH: Brendan Rodgers has sent out a resounding opening day message where Turnbull is concerned. The manager rates him and will give him the opportunity to flourish this season. He could take on the kind of attacking mantle that belonged to Tom Rogic when Rodgers was in charge last time around.

DAVID: Brendan Rodgers clearly rates him, so there's no reason why he can't play far more regularly and extend his stay. He's got plenty to offer.

CRAIG: Turnbull will decide that. He's got the ability. He has to be strong and consistent and deliver in big games if he gets the chance. That's the key.


FRASER: It’s a massive season for the 24-year-old. Turnbull has all the ability in the world but whether he can produce the work rate required in the engine room has always been the question. He’s off to a great start though and keep producing those performances then Rodgers will have to stick with him.

The Premiership campaign is now underway but which team is your tip to be the surprise package?

KEITH: It might not feel like such a surprise now that they've opened up with a statement win but Kilmarnock will be the most improved team in the top flight this season. Derek McInnes is aiming for a top six finish and he is building a squad which is capable of getting there.

DAVID: Having watched Killie on Saturday, they could be the team. If they can win a few games on the road, and with their formidable home form, they could be top six material.


CRAIG: Kilmarnock is the easy and obvious answer, but that feeling was there even before they beat Rangers due to Derek McInnes' excellent recruitment.

FRASER: I fancy Motherwell to muscle in to the top six. Maybe even a Euro spot. Stuart Kettlewell is a sharp operator and has recruited really well. I like the look of their midfield in particular. Steer clear of injuries and I think the Steelmen could be in for a memorable campaign.


The top flight is also bringing in World Cup style added time - is this good or bad for our game?

KEITH: Can't see why we should have any issues with it. Time wasting is a bugbear we can all live without.

DAVID: Bad for deadlines on a midweek night! But generally good, I think. Fans pay to watch the ball in play, so if time wasters get punished, I'm all for it.

CRAIG: Not really a big deal. It hardly made a difference to those fans at Livingston against Aberdeen, did it?

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FRASER: Bad for those ‘game management’ types that like to take the sting out the action at every opportunity. Good for the purists. Anything that goes beyond 100 minutes could get a bit weary mind you!

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Derek McInnesTom RogicCeltic FCMichael BealeRangers FCKilmarnock FCScottish PremiershipBrendan RodgersDavid Turnbull
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