Steve Clarke might have led Scotland to the Euros but it doesn’t stop the national team boss copping it when it comes to his squad selection.
There was no Leigh Griffiths, Lawrence Shankland, David Turnbull or Liam Cooper in his group for the World Cup qualifying triple-header and the Tartan Army are never slow to offer some less than friendly advice.
Kevin Lord, Edinburgh, said: “Liam Cooper, captain of Leeds United and playing against some of Europe's elite clubs every week, should be in this Scotland squad before the eight named defenders.
“Even as a Hibs fan, I need to ask, Kevin Nisbet? All of a sudden the euphoria of qualifying seems a long time ago.”
Ian Urquart emailed: “How on earth has John Fleck been picked for the squad? He is average at best his control of the ball for a pro is shocking and he constantly gives the ball away to the opposition. We are clutching at straws involving him, players should be picked because they are in form – something he isn’t.”
Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “Clarke should consider playing Stuart Armstrong at right wing back. It is now our only weak area after the great acquisition of Che Adams. Armstrong played there several times under Brendan Rodgers and was a standout and were more than covered in midfield.”
Ronnie Swan, Lochee, said: “Lawrence Shankland has not been particularly impressive this season but that’s not down to him. Micky Mellon the main reason he is not in the squad. He has cost Shankland his place with his pathetic tactics.”
Sunday’s Old Firm showdown might be a dead rubber but the guard of honour chat won’t go away.
Paul McCormack, Coatbridge, said: “So, we shouldn’t give Rangers a guard of honour because they did not give us one? The regime at Ibrox who didn’t give us one, are also the regime who spat out the dummy and killed the atmosphere of that fixture with too many Celtic fans in their ground celebrating many easy wins.
“Rise above, show some class and do the right thing with a guard of honour Celtic.”
Rab Roberts, Bo’ness, said: “I completely agree with (Brendan) Rodgers call for a guard of honour. For a club that’s only 10 years old they’ve done really well to clinch their first major title.”
Alfie Mullin, London, said: “I don’t care one way or the other about a guard of honour. It’s irrelevant, just like the remaining Premiership fixtures of both teams.
“We only need to bother about the competitive matches that are left. We can try to turn a title into a Treble.”
Meanwhile Martin Baird, Glasgow, said: “I find the fake outrage amongst bitter Celtic fans upset at Rangers title celebrations hilarious.
“Their misery at the utter failure of the 10 In A Row plan and now their petty bleating and complaints over trivial matters such as the Old Firm brand name lets every Rangers fan know just how much pain the Celtic fans currently are in.”
Jimmy Murray, Edinburgh, said: “Rangers shouldn’t exert themselves on Sunday. Celtic win the game and the next thing you know Kennedy is touted as the new Jock Stein and is named as the new manager while Rangers cruise the league once again.”
Some common sense from Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, who said: “What would the late Lisbon Lions think of the fortified fence round Parkhead to keep supporters away from an Old Firm match?
“It’s like some thing out of a Middle East war zone. What next, armed guards? It’s only a meaningless game, don’t use Covid as an excuse - just grow up.”
