Lawrence Shankland’s form since his Ibrox move has sparked genuine belief among Rangers supporters that Celtic have serious reason to worry heading into next season.
Scotland are travelling to the USA, and Hotline callers believe it is not only Brazil who should be concerned about facing Shankland at the World Cup.
Mike McHattie, Glasgow, said: “Shankland must be our number one striker in America. Apart from his goals his hold-up and link play is far superior to the others.”
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinney, said: “Shankland was firing on all cylinders at Hampden against Dick Advocaat’s side. If Scotland play like that they will be spot on to qualify for the second round. Scotland should fear no one – bring on Brazil.”
Rab Picken, London, questioned how Steve Clarke would have fared without his Rangers contingent, suggesting the scoreline could have been embarrassing against opposition he compared to his old village team, Carmyle United.
Peter Cooperwhite emailed to say Celtic fans watching in the pub, seeing two Rangers players help Scotland to victory, “will be shaking at what’s to come from next season,” adding: “Be afraid, be very afraid.”
Gordon Blackwell, Glasgow, raised questions about Clarke’s selection approach, noting that Rangers players scored three of the goals on Saturday and asking whether the manager would now set aside what he described as an anti-Rangers bias for the first World Cup match.
Despite excitement over Shankland’s arrival at Ibrox, supporter Alan Clark, Barrhead, voiced deep concern about manager Danny Rohl following the end of season collapse at the club.
Clark said: “Our best player, Raskin, is constantly played out of position, and Butland seesaws from making magnificent saves, to someone who looks like they have never seen a football in their life.”
Clark also criticised the decision to loan Curtis to Kilmarnock and suggested players including Olsen, Antman, and Aasgaard were not of sufficient quality, calling for Derek McInnes to be appointed at any cost.
Celtic meanwhile continue to navigate their own managerial uncertainty, with further talks between Martin O’Neill and Parkhead powerbroker Dermot Desmond reportedly planned for this week.
Issy Currie, Castletown, expressed admiration for O’Neill’s experience and man-management but said: “I feel he should now retire. A new manager should be appointed to carry on his excellent work.”
Referee chief Willie Collum is also facing criticism after his recent television appearance drew a strongly negative response from supporters across the country.
Stuart McLeod emailed: “Willie Collum’s desperate VAR explanations confirm he is not fit for purpose. The awful standard of refereeing has been rewarded with the main protagonists being given cup final and high profile games.”
McLeod added that he had recently returned from Italy, where clips of Scottish refereeing incompetence were reportedly still being broadcast on Sky TV screens.
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