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Wales owe Rangers Aaron Ramsey World Cup debt as Scotland shown up by Dragons - Hotline

Wales ended a 64-year wait to book their place at a World Cup Finals and there were Hotline plaudits for Gareth Bale and his team.

There were also some scathing comments from Scotland fans who have yet to forgive boss Steve Clarke for last midweek's defeat to Ukraine.

Joe Graham, Garrowhill, said: "Congratulations to Wales on making the World Cup after 64 years of waiting. They can throw a little thanks to Rangers on getting Aaron Ramsey fit to play a big part in getting them there. He was signed by Rangers in January to keep the league flag flying. Unfortunately his fitness levels needed to be restored to get him back to the world class player that we all knew he was and it didn't happen soon enough at Ibrox. At least Wales have had the benefit."

John Scott, Grassmoor, said: "We should be happy for Wales reaching the World Cup but it's safe to say there's not many of us smiling about it. I get that Kenny Dalglish and Barry Ferguson have strongly defended Steve Clarke but even they have to concede that the Welsh got their tactics and work rate spot on. They played Ukraine like we played England at Wembley. Any criticism aimed at our team and national team manager are fully justified."

Tam Bain emailed: "Wales showed more fight in the first 10 minutes than Scotland did in the entire game against Ukraine. Well done Wales and shame on Scotland but I am just a bit jealous."

Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: "Wales have ended their wait of 64-years of going to a World Cup as they beat Ukraine with Aaron Ramsay lasting 96 minutes in Cardiff. Wales got more playing time from Aaron in one game than Rangers got in six months.

"If he stayed would Rangers need to wait 64 years to get 96 minutes from him in one match?"

John Bruce emailed: "Wales did what Scotland couldn't do and qualified for the World Cup, but did anyone seriously expect Scotland to beat Ukraine last week, let alone Wales? They had a technically gifted side fighting for a noble cause, playing against a team of players with limited ability, whose style of play was as dour and uninspiring as its manager. The pre-match bet of Ukraine to win and both teams to score seemed like the easiest money to be made since you could rely on Celtic being horsed in every European competition they appeared in last season."

Paddy Gowans emailed: "Scotland are a mediocre team. We've got three class players, Craig Gordon, Kieran Tierney and Andy Robertson. The rest wouldn't get into any other team, no flash and no class."

Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire, said: "Ukraine were cheated with a ridiculous VAR decision to deny them a stonewall penalty against the Welsh. There were also ridiculous VAR decisions for all to see during Rangers' home ties in the Europa League.

"Surely this VAR shambles should be thrown in the dustbin now where it belongs."

Steven Foley emailed: "It cracks me up every time Scotland fails to make a tournament you get everybody on the Hotline bleating on about what's the best thing to do for Scottish football. Our game would be in a far healthier state if instead of glory hunting the Old Firm, they supported and went to watch their hometown team."

William McCarron, Glasgow, said: "Steve Clarke picked the wrong players and formation for the game against Ukraine and you could tell that after 10 minutes it was going to be a long ball game.

"Straight from the kick-off Lyndon Dykes went to the wing to receive a high ball to head on to nobody, I do not know what this is meant to achieve if there is no support up beside him."

Kevin Lord, Drylaw, said: "Surely the find of the century is Awokoya Mebude and he's worth a call-up for the next two Scotland games with Lyndon Dykes having to withdraw? He shouldn't be left to fester in the Scotland under 21's."

And finally. Jim McClean, Rothesay, said: "As long as Celtic have their biscuit tin mentality they will always shop at Aldi instead of Waitrose, they will string their support along again this season."

Gerry Milligan, Erskine, said: "It looks increasingly unclear what the intentions of Cameron Carter-Vickers are and if he doesn't return and Christopher Julien is sold, it might mean forgotten man Liam Scales could claim the position beside Carl Starfelt.

"He is a central defender who has yet to play there since arriving at the club."

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