There was the same old back-biting from each side of the Glasgow divide however let’s begin the Hotline on the one factor that ought to unite the nation - Scotland’s bid to get to the World Cup.
Ukraine come calling on Wednesday and, if negotiated, a play-off ultimate with Wales in Cardiff subsequent Sunday will decide our destiny.
Stuart Lindsay, Glasgow, mentioned: “Andy Robertson was proper when he mentioned Scotland needed to take the emotion out of the event on Wednesday. Sure, what’s happening in Ukraine is heartbreaking however for 90 minutes the gamers need to neglect about that and exit and do their jobs correctly. In the event that they do this, we will win.”
However Davie McDougall, Edinburgh, has a nagging doubt, saying: “Scotland ought to beat Ukraine however I’ve obtained the worry over Wales. I maintain seeing a penalty shootout and Aaron Ramsey scoring the successful penalty for them.”
Nonetheless, Sam Thomson, Glasgow was extra assured. He mentioned: “We’ve obtained the gamers and the supervisor to get previous Ukraine and Wales. We’ll miss Kieran Tierney however I feel we’ve obtained sufficient in midfield and up entrance to trigger each these groups issues and I reckon we’ll get to the World Cup.”
Okay, that’s the ‘we're the world’ stuff caring for. Again to the outdated routine now and Stephen Johnstone, from Ardentinny emailed: “Rangers are taking a raffle on signing John Souttar from Hearts as he's damage inclined and preventing to beat the crock to play for Scotland in opposition to Ukraine, so he may spend extra time within the therapy room than the dressing room at Rangers.”
Kenny Wilson, Moffat, emailed: “Can any Rangers followers make clear what must be executed to show you're the finest workforce in Scotland? They are saying they're the most effective in Scotland and can show it by successful the league subsequent season however certainly that may’t be as a result of Celtic gained it this 12 months however but they’re not the most effective in Scotland? Anybody assist a confused fan?”
Gordon Ashley, Ayr, mentioned: “I see the identical jokers who valued Alfredo Morelos and Borna Barisic at £25m every are attempting the identical trick with Calvin Bassey and can get the identical end result. He has had just a few good video games however often makes massive errors just like the one within the Europa ultimate that just about value a purpose and can go for £7-8m tops if in any respect.”
Terry Reilly emailed: “I discover it fairly unhappy the quantity of Rangers followers hiding behind Bodo/Glimt and making an attempt to neglect what was acknowledged because the worst lead to Scottish soccer historical past - Progres Niederkorn 2 Rangers 0. St Rochs are the Scottish equal to Progres.”
And Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, countered with: “So Liverpool’s Andy Robertson has mentioned that his facet want to face Celtic in Europe subsequent 12 months. Get within the queue, Andy! Each membership within the competitors want to face Celtic as they might beat them whereas resting their first workforce gamers.”
Jake Curley, Edinburgh, mentioned: “That’s two occasions in a row that Rangers have rained on Celtic’s parade. A 25 level skelping on their stroll to 10 in a row and attending to a European ultimate this 12 months. Now it’s again to them shopping for each participant obtainable to allow them to fill the again pages that Rangers have dominated since Celtic’s measly league win.”
Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, emailed: “Who's in the slightest degree stunned to learn that Odsonne Édouard has been classed as a flop at Crystal Palace, regardless of a dream begin, it is a lot simpler to look good in opposition to picket Scottish defenders than actual high quality gamers. Similar as Patrick Roberts, who has now had extra golf equipment than Jack Nicklaus.”
Lastly, Alan Lough, Dunbar, reckons it’s heartache for Liverpool within the Champions League ultimate. He mentioned: “I’d like to see Liverpool win in Paris, however their defence could have their arms full making an attempt to close out Vinicius junior and Benzema. And I can’t see previous Madrid bossing the midfield and dictating the play.”