JAMES MORGAN

world but it is no guarantee of success as Feruz’s example demonstrates. The flip side to this example is, of course, Billy Gilmour who has seized his chance after leaving Rangers and could become a mainstay for years to come. He is more the exception than the rule.

That’s the personal dimension, but the talent drain has wider ramifications for the Scottish Professional Football League as a product, too. Supporters are robbed of the chance of seeing these burgeoning talents

– a pebble effect that can potentially affect television deals, attendances, levels of competitiveness, manager’s jobs and so on.

When it comes without a transfer fee attached, it is even more galling. This is particularly prevalent at a time of financial crisis – such as now. When Scottish football last faced a similar scenario, during Rangers’ implosion at the start of the last decade, clubs were forced to field players from their academies. It spawned the

Mark Selby completed a comeback victory to beat Ronnie O’Sullivan 18-14 in the World Snooker Championship final.

Liverpool reached the final of the Europa League with a 3-0 win against Villarreal at Anfield - 3-1 on aggregate.

They were beaten 3-1 by Sevilla in the Basel showpiece.

Alex Ferguson was in intensive care after undergoing emergency surgery following a brain haemorrhage.

Norwich clinched the Championship title with a 2-1 victory at Aston Villa.