Unless he finds a solution and oversses a victory this weekend he will face increased pressure that he may not be able to survive
against Germany at Hampden in the September of 2015. He has been missed since.
The paucity of options available to Strachan at centre-half complicates his job no end. But unless he finds a solution and oversees a victory this weekend he will face increased pressure that he may not, on this occasion, be able to survive.
ANDANOTHERTHING
Jim Stewart departed Rangers this week in much the same manner as he has gone about his work at Ibrox during the past 10 years – with the minimum of fuss.
Yet, the contribution of the former Kilmarnock, Middlesbrough, Rangers and Scotland goalkeeper, whose position in the back-room team has been taken by Pedro Caixinha’s longterm associate Jose Belman, shouldn’t be overlooked or underestimated.
Since being brought in by Walter Smith back in 2007, Stewart has been responsible for ensuring the Glasgow club’s last line of defence has been consistently dependable and frequently inspired. Belman will do very well to enjoy the success of his predecessor.
ONELASTTHING
Amid the furore that erupted after Celtic had a penalty claim waved away by Bobby Madden in the final minute of the Old Firm game against Rangers at Parkhead last Sunday, one thing was ignored.
The scoring chance that fell to Leigh Griffiths in the Rangers box and which was denied – either legally or illegally – by Clint Hill came about as a result of a clearance out of his own area by goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
Gordon, who should get the nod once again to start in goals for Scotland in the Russia 2018 qualifier against Slovenia, has improved his distribution considerably this season.
Brendan Rodgers has demanded the former Hearts and Sunderland man supply his team-mates with the ball instead of just shelling it aimlessly upfield to safety and the 34-year-old has obliged.
But his howitzer eight days ago nearly clinched victory for his side – in much the same way that a long ball from Jozo Simunovic deep in the Celtic half led to Moussa Dembele’s winner in the Betfred Cup semi-final against Rangers back in October.
At times, it would seem that going direct still has its place in the modern game. TOMORROW Nick Rodger Glasgow has landed the right to host the 2019 European short course championships, a year after it stages the long course version,
The biennial five-day event, which was last held in the UK in Sheffield in 1998, will take place at Tollcross International Swimming Centre on December 4-8. Tollcross will stage the long course version in 2018 as part of the European Sports Championships while Aberdeen has been awarded the 2020 European Junior Championships in both swimming and diving.