QUOTE OF THE DAY

‘With Oli McBurnie dropping out, I hope we don’t start Oli Burke after seeing him in a Celtic shirt. He’s as much use as Oliver Hardy’ career, not a player in his mid 30’s looking for an end of career payday like a Jermain Defoe for example.”

If Stephen was at the wind-up, John Stewart attracted retorts with his latest call about not recognising Celtic’s ninth title. Yes, people are still digging this one out of the cupboard and the responses remain the same.

Brian McDermott, Maryhill, said: “Can regular Hotliner John Stewart change the record about gifted titles? No one cares whether he thinks we’re going for nine and a half or 10 in a row. He should be more concerned about his eight-year-old team winning their first major trophy.”

Mark McAuley, Bellshill, said: “John Stewart said that he did not recognise Celtic’s ninth title in a row. That’s fine, Celtic and their fans don’t recognise his team as Rangers Football Club.

“Even the club, Celtic, promotes the fixture as the Glasgow derby. And when/if his club win a title, it’ll be No.1 and not this fabled 55. How you can win 55 titles in eight years is beyond me.”

Brian McColligan emailed: “We are now into September. How much longer must we listen to Rangers fans saying it’s not 9IAR? Please get over it.”

Finally, a call came about the Scotland game. Steve Clarke’s side are looking to open their group account with a win against the Israelis.

At the same time, the Scots can strike a psychological blow to their opponents with the teams scheduled to meet again next month in the play-offs for a spot at Euro 2020 next year.

Upbeat? Lifting the morale? Well, no. Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: “With the uncommitted Oli McBurnie unsurprisingly dropping out, I hope Oli Burke isn’t starting up front after witnessing him in a Celtic shirt. He’s as much use as Oliver Hardy.”