QUOTE OF THE DAY

‘Packed stands, bright young players and manager, Hibs are a club on the up. Aberdeen and Rangers will never be the force they once were’

as Kilmarnock a couple of weeks ago and it’s a worrying development this season that we go through games without creating chances.”

Andrew McNicol, Motherwell, said: “I have no idea why Rodgers made so many changes. I can understand one or two alterations in between the Zenit ties but leaving out so many first picks was a risk the manager didn’t need to take.”

Away from Glasgow, Craig Gordon, Ayr, was full of praise for Hibs after that sensational Saturday success over Aberdeen.

He said: “Hibs have the opportunity to go on and be Scotland’s second force. With packed stands, bright young players and manager, they are a club on the up, while Aberdeen and Rangers will never be the force they once were.

“Both capital clubs will be the main challenge to Celtic in the next few years.”

Complaints over the appointment of Alex McLeish as Scotland manager had calmed a little by yesterday with the news now digested.

But Joe Wilson, Spean Bridge, couldn’t resist a say and turned his guns on an ex-Hampden employee.

He said: “When I was chief executive. Another weekly reminder from Gordon Smith. Boring to say the least. Your opinions are irrelevant Mr Smith!”

Willie Simpson emailed to discuss the disasters which have hit speed skater Elise Christie at the Winter Olympics.

The Scot has hit the deck in both the 500 and 1500 metres to lose medal chances and said: “While you have to feel for her surely Elise is the architect of her own downfall.

“I know nothing about speed skating but surely after four years training with the Olympics in mind and recalling what happened last time she would have a game plan to hit the front with two or three laps to go.

“Then if you get beat so be it. To leave it to the last lap is pure criminal.”