Loyalty is admirable but . . .

LOYALTY is an admirable quality — particularly in a world like football, where it is very rare.

On the one hand you have to applaud Scotland manager Gordon Strachan for sticking with the players he’s worked with and trusts.

I say that because of the furore over Strachan’s reluctance to pick Celtic’s Callum McGregor (above), who has been excellent this season.

To annoy people more, when Tom Cairney had to pull out, he opted for James Morrison over McGregor.

I’ve no problem with Morrison, he’s one of our better midfielders, but if he wasn’t fit enough for the initial squad, how is he now?

I’d have liked to see McGregor given a go but Strachan isn’t a man to be swayed by public opinion.

The problem with loyalty is, if it’s misplaced, we end up with the same situation as at the end of Craig Brown’s tenure when the squad was too old and youngsters hadn’t been blooded.

That started off the poor run of failing to qualify we’re in now so, please Gordon, think about mixing it up a bit now and then.

IT’S great when fears are unfounded. I said a month ago that I was worried for Queen of the South this season. Thankfully, so far, Gary Naysmith has proved me wrong — and how! Playing some great stuff and banging in goals at the top of the table.