THE MONDAY JURY
1 HOW much damage has Rangers’ title bid suffered with their shock defeat at Ross County?
It felt very much like the league was being surrendered yesterday in the Highlands. Rangers simply don’t look like a side with the stomach to take this title race all the way to the end.
It could well prove fatal. They can still win the title if they win all their games but this is a major body-blow. Rangers are now playing catch-up with games running out.
It could be catastrophic. There will be more twists to come but the advantage has certainly swung back across the city to Celtic. It’s also left major questions about whether this Rangers squad have the chops to get the job done.
It’s almost certainly a fatal blow. It would be a big ask even if they went to Parkhead for the last derby of the season two points clear, but this group don’t have the mentality to get the derby win they now look as though they are going to require.
2 SHOULD Celtic make Adam Idah a permanent signing in the summer?
Idah has come in and made a decent contribution to Celtic’s campaign but he’s not the long-term answer. Brendan Rodgers should be looking for something bigger and better in the transfer market to offer competition to Kyogo Furuhashi.
It would make sense if a deal was financially viable. He has settled in well, proved he can score goals and offers Celtic’s forward line something different. It would let Celtic’s recruitment team concentrate on other areas.
Absolutely. The big striker has shown he can cut it at Celtic. He brings a different dimension and has the mentality for the big occasion. It depends on the dosh but if Celts can snap him up for under £5million it would be very good business.
With seven goals and two assists in 12 appearances, the striker has done more than enough to earn a permanent move but it depends on the fee. If Norwich City are looking for £3million then then it would appear to be a no-brainer.
3 IS Nick Montgomery under pressure at Easter Road after hibs failed to make the top six?
He certainly has some questions to answer. Hibs have fallen way short once again and Montgomery has to carry the can for this failure. His side has improved slightly since the January transfer window but he’s still got some convincing to do.
I don’t see how he can be under pressure. He inherited a mess from Lee Johnson and the budget had been spent. Hibs can’t keep sacking managers. He needs a full summer window and then he will get things right.
He is, whether he deserves it or not. Hibs fans won’t put up with the embarrassment of missing out and he’s had plenty of games in charge. He has shown signs of progress but needs another transfer window and a strong start next term.
It’s a shocker to miss out with a budget of their size but the club can’t bullet yet another manager. He should be given the summer and a full pre-season but if there are no signs of progress early next season the board could have a decision to make.
4 HOW will the Scottish Cup semi-finals unfold next weekend?
It’s all set up for an Old Firm shoot-out in the final. It’s bad news for Aberdeen and Hearts but the big two have been on collision course for some time now. It’s hard to see how this season ends without them having another final scuffle.
It is hard to look beyond Celtic and Rangers on current form. It would be a major upset if Aberdeen or Hearts were to go all the way.
It should be a couple of crackers. Aberdeen have caused Celtic problems this season but the tie should go to form with a Hoops win. Hearts have been hopeless against Rangers but that could go all the way to spot-kicks.
An Old Firm final is an odds-on chance with the bookies and it’s hard to see past the big two contesting the Hampden showpiece next month for the first time since that epic showdown 22 years ago.