Will the Tartan Army be packing their bags for the World Cup in North America next summer?
KEITH JACKSON: Let’s hope so. Steve Clarke has built a side which is already capable of qualifying for tournaments and ready to take the next step. We’re in good shape ahead of the campaign.
CRAIG SWAN: The opportunity is there for Steve Clarke and his team to top the group and make their way straight into it. This is their big chance to end the long drought.
FRASER WILSON: Head says no.. but heart screams aye! Last night was a sobering reminder we can be miles off it. But Scotland have proved before that in qualifying we can topple the best. Let’s be bold and say yes, 28 years of waiting will be over next summer.
MICHAEL GANNON: I wouldn’t pack just yet but they can definitely bring the cases down from the loft. Scotland are in good shape and had a relatively decent qualification group. This is the best chance the nation has had for years.
Were Rangers right to call out the behaviour of a section of the supporters?
KEITH: Absolutely and not before time. But this was a strange bone to pick with them given that the banner involved was so obtuse and badly worded. What did it even mean? And why would being anti-woke and pro-defending Europe create such an issue? There are far more obvious and obnoxious behaviours which need to be challenged.
CRAIG:Rangers have done what they see fit. There’s nothing more to add.
FRASER: Yes. UEFA charges can’t keep building up without there being a serious punishment sooner rather than later. Fans know the rules but small elements continue to put two fingers up to the authorities and the club. Rangers also know prospective new owners are watching every move with interest.
MICHAEL: It was a bold and admirable move. These are delicate times in the takeover process and Rangers want a clean house for the new owners. It was a fair attempt but whether these things make much difference is debatable.
What does the future hold for Maik Nawrocki at Celtic?
KEITH: Another three months on the bench and then a move in the summer.
CRAIG: It’s hard to imagine the Pole having a long-term future. He did well answering an SOS, but there’s too many ahead of him in the queue and Kieran Tierney is returning.
FRASER: He looked solid enough against Rangers but it’s clear he’s nowhere near a starting jersey for Brendan Rodgers when he has a full squad available. He’ll move on in the next window or two.
MICHAEL: Probably an exit. The Pole came in from the cold last week but he’s still going to be behind Auston Trusty and Liam Scales to partner Cameron Carter-Vickers. Nawrocki did okay against Gers but he doesn’t quite fit the ball playing centre back role Brendan Rodgers likes.
Is John McGlynn the man to beat for manager of the year if he finishes the job of taking Falkirk back to the top flight?
KEITH: Brendan Rodgers is about to clinch a domestic Treble. Yes, McGlynn’s work has been superb and he deserves to be included in the conversation but let’s keep it all in perspective.
CRAIG: McGlynn would have an outstanding chance. But if Brendan Rodgers snares a Treble to go with the progress made in the Champions League, he would also be a worthy recipient.
FRASER: Possibly. McGlynn has woken the sleeping giant and back-to-back promotions would be sensational. If Celtic complete the Treble then it would be hell of a harsh for Brendan Rodgers not to win the award but McGlynn has worked wonders for the Bairns.
MICHAEL: McGlynn securing back-to-back promotions with the Bairns would be a sensational achievement. Rodgers might deserve the gong if he wins a Treble with Celtic but McGylnn could always settle for a statue in Falkirk.