ROSS: WE’VE SCOT QUALITY
JACK ROSS reckons Hibs’ Scotland quartet highlight the progress being made at Easter Road.
The Hibees are toasting Kevin Nisbet’s maiden call-up for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Austria, Israel and the Faroe Islands. And that follows team-mates Paul Hanlon, Ryan Porteous and Paul McGinn also winning recognition from Steve Clarke this season.
Ross said: “Similar to earlier in the season when we had Ryan, Paul and Paul involved, Kevin’s call-up is a recognition of the progress we’ve made.
“It’s been another positive week for the club and, for Kevin himself, it’s another significant step forward.”
Europe in the 1980s, reckons McInnes will soon be back managing at a big club.
Fergie said: “Derek is a topclass, experienced manager who still has the energy of youth. He is capable of taking on a big job.
“If I was asked for a reference for him, I would gladly supply it.”
Ferguson was back in the news this week when Cormack revealed the legendary figure had called him offering advice in his hunt for a new boss.
He told how former Aberdeen boss Fergie said, ‘Find someone who can go to Glasgow and aim to beat Celtic and Rangers, don’t look for second best.’
But the 79-year-old believes the days of a provincial side achieving dominance like his Dons side did are long gone.
Ferguson added: “The gulf in finance between Aberdeen and Rangers and Celtic is huge. It is unbridgeable. There is a gap that never existed back in my day.”
Fergie insisted McInnes should be proud of his Dons record, saying: “He consistently took the club into Europe and to domestic finals where he inevitably met a Celtic team in their pomp.
“He will be remembered for winning the League Cup in 2014. It’s tough to win trophies and Derek achieved that.
“He can leave with his head held high and he will make a significant contribution to the success of another club.”
league title but we are certainly not away.
“We are still striving to get back to being the best team in the country.”
Celtic have lost both Old Firm clashes this season and Kennedy admits it has been a wretched campaign in which Neil Lennon, far left, was axed as boss.
But he is desperate for his side to give the Hoops fans something to cheer on Sunday – from their own homes after reiterating the advice for people to stay away from Celtic Park amid
Covid concerns. He told Celtic TV: “It is a tough season for everyone, especially our fans who have had great success over the seasons.
“We obviously went into the season with high hopes and we have not quite reached that level. That has been disappointing for everyone but obviously the fans are the ones who have not been allowed to attend the games and support the team the way they want.
“I imagine that has been very difficult and we certainly have missed having them behind us.
“We encourage everyone to enjoy the match at home, support the team as best you can and stay at home.
“We will miss you but hopefully we can get a big result for you.”