The Hampden Roar was back in all its glory and Scotland fans almost took the roof off the old lady thanks to Scott McTominay’s injury time winner against Israel.
It was a struggle keeping a lid on the Tartan Army’s soaraway optimism on the Hotline too after Steve Clarke’s young guns moved a step closer to securing a World Cup 2022 play-off spot.
The message was ‘in squad we trust’ with Billy Gilmour, Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Nathan Patterson, Callum McGregor, John McGinn and McTominay all proving there’s a bright future ahead for the Scots.
Keith Phillips emailed: “ Steve Clarke ’s got the Hampden Roar back. A superb second half performance and it was great to see the stadium full again. Andy Robertson got man of the match but Callum McGregor was immense as always. No I’m not a Celtic fan just admire how he goes about his work. We’ve got a superb central midfield combo with Billy Gilmour and Cal Mac.”
John Davidson, Armadale, agreed saying: “Really good second half performance from Scotland and especially Gilmour for one so young. The future looks good with this squad Steve Clarke has put together.”
Alan Clark emailed: “Great to see a Scotland team who never give up. Gilmour is different class and with Patterson and Hendry, despite his mistakes, now in the team with the likes of Tierney, McTominay, Robertson and McGinn, the future looks bright.”
There’s always a killjoy to keep a nation on its feet though. Step forward Tim Gibbens who emailed: “Without wanting to be too much of a damp squib, Israel are currently ranked 80th in the FIFA world rankings so let’s not dream of Andy Robertson wrenching the hallowed golden trophy from Hugo Lloris’ grasp just yet!”
Onto domestic matters and there’s still plenty of debate over Rangers boss Steven Gerrard being linked with the newly-appointed richest club in the world, Newcastle.
Hotline regular Scott Gowers had claimed it would cost the Geordies £200m to prise Gerrard away from Gers.
But Albert Styles, Aberdeen, said: “I must laugh at Mr Gowers’ statement that Gerrard is the most sought after coach. Someone that spends over £50 million to win one trophy in a two-team league in my opinion is not a good coach. If Celtic hadn't disintegrated and won the hallowed 10 then fans would have been calling for his head.”
Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire, went further and said: “Gerrard knows last season's success was a fluke due to covid and the turmoil within Celtic and knows that his luck will run out this season. So to be linked with a bigger club like Newcastle United will feel like a lifeline. You can bet your life if he is offered the post he won't waste time considering as he will be out of the Ibrox main entrance in a flash.”
But Scott McGiven, Rutherglen, argued: “Why would Newcastle appoint Gerrard as manager when its generally accepted hes going to Liverpool at the end of his current contract?”
Record Sport columnist Chris Sutton claimed it was laughable to suggest Hibs and Hearts would split the Old Firm, despite their solid starts to the season.
But John Scott, Grassmoor, fired back: “Chris Sutton claims Celtic haven't hit top form yet but neither have the Hibees. No argument, they need to consistently do better against teams such as Dundee and St Mirren. However Hibs have built and filled to capacity a new stadium. They also have their own training centre.
"That's been achieved by selling our best talent for the last thirty years, many of them to the two teams we're supposed to be challenging. Now though any income from future sales will be pumped back into the team. A bright future awaits the Hibees with an ambitious, hands-on owner at the helm.”
And Jambo Davy Cook, Edinburgh, added: “Sutton do us all a favour and take off the green tinted glasses. Both Hibs and Hearts are capable of staying at the top, give them some credit they are due, not the west coast bias you always rabble on about.”
