THE MONDAY JURY
1 Should Rangers fans be optimistic about the signings of Tom Lawrence and Rabbi Matondo?
Very much so. With Antonio Colak also secured, Rangers appear to be adding some significant strings to their attacking bow. But the biggest question marks still hang over the futures of Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent.
Yes, definitely. They have still got the majority of the squad who got to the Europa League Final. They have also brought in John Souttar and Antonio Colak so you would have to say Rangers will be stronger.
Too right. Lawrence is a rock-solid Championshiplevel performer who should settle quickly. Matondo is more of an exciting gamble. There’s clearly a thrilling player in there who needs to be harnessed.
2 Should Ange Postecoglou be trying out a more defensive strategy ahead of the Champions League?
Yes. But he won’t. He has his own ideas on how the game ought to be played and won’t budge from them. The Champions League campaign will be an absolute rollercoaster because of it. But also a must watch.
No, I don’t think you can read too much into the Rapd Vienna game. Yes, there were defensive errors but it was a relatively newlook backline. They will be a lot stronger when Josip Juranovic and Carl Starfelt are fit.
Postecoglou won’t change, and nor should he. Celtic will be more defensive at that level, whether the manager likes it or not. The key is concentration and cutting out the odd moment of madness at the back.
3 How will Lewis Ferguson and Josh Doig get on in Serie A?
It’s just a great news story for Scottish football that our kids are now held in such high regard. The experience of playing in Italy can only be good for their development but the overarching message is our game’s massively on the up.
If you look at how Aaron Hickey and Liam Henderson are doing then you’d fancy them to make their mark. Ferguson maybe has the edge as he’s more experienced and physically stronger but Doig has all the attributes to do well out there.
They’ll do the business like Aaron Hickey. Ferguson has the kind of energy and drive that will go down a storm over there and Doig’s huge potential can flourish in Italy.
4 The 150th Open Championship tees up this week, who is your money on to be lifting the Claret Jug?
Jordan Spieth enjoyed the Scottish Open and will be a threat, while Cameron Smith has also adapted well to links golf. But Matt Fitzpatrick and Tyrrell Hatton look set to carry the flag for Britain. They are both well worth an each-way punt.
It would be great to see Rory McIlroy win it. He is back in a bit of form and if he can put four solid days together then he could claim that elusive fifth Major.
Jordan Spieth. The 2017 champ is made for St Andrews. He can be wild at times but his imagination and craft can help get him around the Old Course and come out on top.