Can Celtic keep hold of Odsonne Edouard for the push for 10 in a row?
Keith Jackson: Absolutely. There will be considerable interest in the Frenchman but Celtic should be in no rush to cash in this summer with 10 in a Row on the horizon. If Odsonne Edouard reproduces last season’s form then they’ll be queueing up for him again in a year’s time.
Gary Ralston: Ultimately, it comes down to the player. This summer may not be the best time for top young talents to move with the game’s finances in a state of Covid-related flux. He’s happy where he is, why not stick around for another 12 months?
Fraser Wilson: Even the biggest clubs across Europe will be tightening the purse strings in the wake of the coronavirus crisis so I can see Edouard remaining at Celtic for another year.
Michael Gannon: It depends on the market. We’ve yet to see the impact the pandemic will have on transfer fees but if a ridiculous offer comes in then every player has his price. The good news for Celts is Edouard is not agitating for a move yet.
Would clubs be wrong to completely dismiss the latest Rangers proposal for reconstruction?
Keith Jackson: Yes. A 14-14-18 set- up not only rights all the wrongs of the Covid-19 catastrophe but also provides the Scottish game with something new and innovative. It’s worth proper consideration.
Gary Ralston: Yes, they would be but coronavirus has highlighted more than ever the self-interest that governs our game. Clubs won’t vote themselves out of potential existence, even if it brings greater levels of professionalism to the lower leagues.
Fraser Wilson: It deserves consideration. There’s financial benefits for the lower-league clubs and I’ve no doubt it would provide a better grounding for the youngsters at both Rangers and Celtic. Would it devalue the league? That’s what needs weighed up.
Michael Gannon: They shouldn’t – but most of them probably will. There’s a real resistance to colt teams down the divisions. There are some decent ideas in the proposal but there are too many hurdles to prevent it from gathering dust at the bottom of a drawer.
Does Calvin Bassey look like a shrewd piece of business for Rangers?
Keith Jackson: Steven Gerrard has been crying out for options at left-back and this highly- rated youngster might just be the answer. Rangers have picked up a £3million-rated player for a pittance. So yes, it does indeed look like a shrewd piece of business.
Gary Ralston: Who knows? The proof of the pudding and all that but he at least evidences a signing strategy from Steven Gerrard and Ross Wilson. Developing players and moving them on for fat fees must be the model.
Fraser Wilson: He seems to have caught attention down south. Rangers and Celtic have made good use of the English development market in recent years. If he can have the same impact as Jeremie Frimpong across the city then Bassey will be a top investment.
Michael Gannon: It remains to be seen but it’s the kind of low risk, high reward signing that Rangers should be doing. Bassey will need to make the step up from the English development level and he could be a superstar or get lost making the jump.
Record Sport has been looking back at Italia 90 but what is your favourite Scotland World Cup moment?
Keith Jackson: Dave Narey’s “toe poke” against Brazil in 1982. For a fleeting moment, it felt as if the world was being painted dark blue.
Gary Ralston: The sense of anticipation as a seven-year-old, preparing to watch the Peru game in 1978 with my adidas Tango on my lap and thinking Scotland could even win the thing. Then Teofilo Cubillas stepped up and childhood dreams collapsed.
Fraser Wilson: Italia 90 was a magical tournament and my 11-year-old self got completely swept away with the razzmatazz. Almost crashing through my mate’s ceiling as we celebrated Mo Johnston burying the penalty to beat Sweden was tops.
Michael Gannon: There’s not much to pick from when you’re born after Archie Gemmill’s moment of magic. But Scotland stepping out on the opening game of France 98 against Brazil. The eyes of the world were on us. The John Collins wink is as cool as it gets for my era.
