MONDAY JURY
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FAROE ISLANDS and Moldova away before Denmark at home. Are Scotland home and hosed for a World Cup play-off spot or is there still danger ahead? It would take a With Scotland it is That Moldova Not there yet. spectacular never done and fixture next month Faroes are not awful collapse not to dusted. We are in a is lurking like a any more. Close but secure second great position and rotten banana skin. not secured. place and surely by although there Recent trips to now Steve Clarke might be some Eastern Europe and his players scary moments we have proved the have earned the will beat the Faroes undoing of Scots nation’s trust. Keep and Moldova away sides but this the faith and get to get the job done. squad has the strapped in for quality to deal with another bash at the trips to Torshavn play-offs. and Chisinau.
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THE Hampden Roar hasn’t been heard like that since Leigh Griffiths’ second against England. Where does that Scott McTominay winner rank?
It’s hard to remember a better one, and that comes from someone who was in Paris on the night James McFadden flattened the French. Something about Saturday night managed to surpass even that.
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Nothing beats a last-minute winner for sheer elation and that goal and the celebrations were collosal, right up there with Griffiths’ lastgasp double but thankfully without the sickening sting in the tail.
A big and enjoyable win, but we beat the fourth seeds in the group who were missing key defenders. Let’s keep some perspective.
HAS Nathan Patterson done enough to convince you he’s Scotland’s first pick right-back after his performance against Israel? Yes. Patterson had Not for me. I He looked nervy in a ropey first half thought he the opening stages but proved after struggled. He will against Moldova the break that he learn from the and Israel, was in the team for experience. I understandable as the right reasons. wouldn’t be he steps up to the He has everything surprised to see international stage. required to become Stephen O’Donnell Patterson still a genuine star at coming back in showed attacking this level. against the Faroes. qualities and Steve Clarke will realise he’ll get better and better with games.
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STEVEN GERRARD remains among the bookies’ front-runners to take over at Newcastle but do you think the Rangers boss is a serious candidate?
Why would he not be? His name alone gives him an Alister image which ticks a lot of boxes for the Saudis. Add to that the body of work he’s put together in Glasgow and he becomes an even more attractive option for them.
It was right up there. It was a big moment and it will become even bigger if we are to qualify for the World Cup. Only time will tell.
You would expect Newcastle to make a real statement of intent with the appointment of a top, top manager. They will be looking for a bigger name than Gerrard. If he is approached it would be hard for him to turn down.
Gerrard might hope he’s not on the shortlist, taking a potential decision out of his hands. Newcastle will surely use their financial muscle to go for a big name with a proven track record. Gerrard is only halfway there at the moment.
Patterson is the future. He is just going to get better. He’s there to stay.
Newcastle have the money to get anyone they want. They can go for a more proven CV.