Celtic and Rangers go into Euro battle this week with crunch clashes in their bids to advance.
Brendan Rodgers’ side face Young Boys in the Champions League, while Philippe Clement’s men head south to meet Manchester United on Europa League duty. Celtic are first up on Wednesday with a clash against the Swiss which could book their place in the play-offs.
Looking ahead, Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, said: “You must give credit to teams when it comes to playing Celtic. They are coming and having a go like Killie on Saturday. We are going to eventually take all the chances we make and, when we do, it’s going to be a cricket score.”
But George Wilson, West Sussex, countered: “It’s very strange to see Celtic amongst teams still playing in Europe in January. We’ve had 25 years of them being humiliated and embarrassed apart from the odd victory and they are normally out of contention by November. Now we have seen them play three games at home to Slovan Bratislava, Leipzig and Young Boys who have played 18 ties between them so far and lost all 18. Talk about giving Celtic a walkover. It’s harder to get knocked out than stay in. If they qualify, let’s see how their ailing defence does against a proper Champions League side.”
Jim Docherty said: “It’s time for us to get rid of Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate as they are being found out after three years in the same league. Sign Lennon Miller from Motherwell now and bring him in on June/July for next season. We also need a No.1 striker as Adam Idah flatters to deceive and another winger as well.”
Alan Flett and Benjamin Clarke continued to disagree as the former said: “Yet another Celtic fan who doesn’t get it. Years of mismanagement have put Rangers where they are. Celtic have no excuse. They have millions in the bank, but rather than use them to get to the next level, they’re happy to plod along in the SPFL, lapping up routine wins against dross every week and moaning about every decision that goes against them.”
Scottish football has been saddened in the past days with the loss of both Denis Law and Jimmy Calderwood.
William Masson, Aberdeenshire, said: “From different eras and different achievements but both big characters. It’s so sad the price some footballers pay in their later years following their dreams and entertaining fans. RIP Denis and Jimmy.”
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, continued: “It was so sad to hear the passing of Scottish football icon Denis Law. I have fond memories of waiting patiently to attain his autograph when the great man visited Celtic Park in a star-studded Man United side in a pre-season friendly back in 1966, something I still treasure to this day. “Going forward, surely a stand named after him at Hampden Park must now be on the agenda.”
Bud Hay, Dumfries, added: “I would like to send my condolences to Denis Law’s family. Simply the best, better than all the rest.”
Andy Logan, Livingston, has a gripe about dealings during the transfer window as he said: “Sorry, but am I missing something? Players are scouted for months, but no signings until the last day of the window, why? Surely if you sign them now they have a month to get up to speed.”
Meanwhile, in tennis at the Australian Open, William Simpson has been impressed by a rising Scottish star and said: “What a breath of fresh air is Jacob Fearnley. He matched World No.2 Alexander Zverev stroke for stroke, but in the end, had to succumb to an equally exciting to watch player. No shouting his mouth off and racket abuse like some players from this country, just pure unadulterated tennis. Awesome.”