Gers will keeper the faith
James Morrison but neither are playing for their respective clubs.
Morrison’s team-mate Matt Phillips was a regular while playing in the Championship. Yet he gets binned after starting West Brom’s first two games in the Premier League. Bizarre.
Surely Ryan Fraser at Bournemouth is worth a look? He looked comfortable against West Ham last week. And what about Tom Cairney? Fulham’s goalscoring midfielder is so far from Strachan’s thoughts, it would appear that I’ve got more chance of a call-up.
As for Shaun Maloney being left out, the manager says he needs games.
Hull City clearly don’t agree, though, as he came off the bench last week to score in their 2- 0 win over Swansea.
If Strachan had revamped the squad and was looking to the future, Maloney’s absence would be understandable.
But it defies logic to stick with most of the old guard yet leave out your serial match-winner from the last campaign.
Up front, Leigh Griffiths should now be Scotland’s undisputed No.9. It’s inconceivable he won’t lead the line ahead of Steven Fletcher.
As Fletch’s career spirals downwards, can we not see what a kid on an upward curve like Jason Cummings has to offer?
Another Strachan anomaly is the omission of Ross McCormack. The Derby battering ram has attributes – but for the way Strachan supposedly wants us to play? It’s pointless having him there.
McCormack should feel aggrieved he’s not getting a look in.
And the most important thing to remember? It’s Malta we’re playing next week. Not France, Germany or Spain.
Malta, who haven’t won a competitive game in over a year.
If we can’t take a gamble on someone in this game, then we’ll never do it.
And if that dreaded scoreline becomes a reality, all of us will be asking why not.
Kevin Murphy insists Rangers can bounce back from their painful defeat by Glasgow City and can take at least a point against Hibs this afternoon.
Injuries to f irst- team keepers Claire Johnstone and Laura Hamilton – and also to young reserves Jordyn Elliott and Shannon Burgon – have been a challenge.
But the Gers boss insists they can’t pin that on last week’s 7- 0 defeat by the champions.
Murphy said: “It’s not an excuse and we’re hoping to put the wrongs right this week.
“We should have a couple of our keepers back from injury too.
“So we know it will be difficult at Albyn Park but i f we can nul l i fy Hibs’ chances we can keep down their goal tally.
“Hopefully we can get three points or at least one – which will be tough but we are capable of that.”
Fourth-placed Spartans lead the mid-table chase by one point from Rangers and will see this afternoon’s visit by Aberdeen as a chance to widen that gap.
Murphy added: “After the break we had to reassess our target and fourth spot has become a realistic aim for a lot of teams around that area. Every point is crucial.”
City will be out to maintain their five- point lead at Stirling Uni, who are close on Rangers’ heels.
But Thursday is also a major focus for the top two as seeded City and Hibs are in the draw in Nyon for the Women’s Champions League round of 32.
In the unseeded pot alongside Hibs are English Super League leaders Manchester City – featuring Scotland duo defender Jenny Beattie and the club’s top scorer Jane Ross.