Is Rangers boss Michael Beale in last-chance saloon in Perth this afternoon?
Michael Gannon:Beale might be in last-chance saloon for a while as he can’t afford any more slip-ups with the Gers crowd already losing faith. He needs to string a run of results together at home and in Europe, then go all the way in the League Cup to get some breathing space.
Andy Newport: The two week break following Rangers Old Firm sickener doesn’t seem to have done much reduce the anger levels amongst the Ibrox legions. Beale simply has to win in Perth and it would help the beleaguered boss if they did it in some style.
Fraser Wilson: Defeat in Perth was beginning of the end for Gio van Bronckhorst last November and another loss today could have similar consequences. Rangers now have a really favourable run of fixtures domestically and they have to grasp chance to turn season around.
Who should fill the Liel Abada void for Celtic with big games at home and in Europe on the horizon?
Michael: Luis Palma and Yang look like the ones to scrap it out for the role. Yang’s shown potential but we’ll now see if the £3milion Honduran can cut it.
Andy: We can’t be sure of what Marco Tilio or Bernardo can produce but Brendan Rodgers will know exactly what he’s getting with James Forrest. The veteran winger has been waiting patiently for a chance to get back in and this might be it.
Fraser: Yang looks to have a headstart and comes back from international duty with the praise of Jurgen Klinsmann ringing in his ear. But after splashing £3m on Palma, Rodgers will be expect an impact from the Honduran in a busy run. The quicker Tilio can get fit, the better.
Is Nick Montgomery the right man to get Hibs back on track and end managerial merry-go-round in Leith?
Michael: Hibs fans seem to like the cut of his jib and he comes with a solid CV. It’s a fresh approach and it looks a good choice. But he needs to avoid getting dragged into the Hibs blender.
Andy: All managerial appointments are a gamble, especially when plucking bosses from overseas but Montgomery’s Aussie track record looks impressive. Proof of the pudding, as they say, is in the eating.
Fraser: Only results will determine that but Montgomery’s record is very impressive and he seems like a straight shooter in his style. It’s
an ambitious appointment but one that looks to make a lot of sense.
Should Steve Clarke call up Ben Doak for top team Scotland duty in the next international break?
Michael: Let’s get the kid in now. He’s going to be a fixture of the national side for years to come so get him in early and get him settled. It’s worked with Billy Gilmour and Doak has the ability to become something really special.
Andy: The kid is a talent all right but Scotland are a long way from having to hand out wild-card selections in the hope of getting something to spark. We’ve done just fine without him so let’s not rush a 17-year-old before he’s either fully developed or earned his slot.
Fraser: Absolutely. Doak has proved already that nothing fazes him on the big stage with Liverpool. He is the most exciting talent I’ve seen for a generation – including Gilmour – and the sooner he’s in Clarke’s squad the better.
