the saturday jury
1
Steve Clarke said he must chop five players from his squad for Euro 2024. What five will drop out?
It’s between Craig Gordon and Liam Kelly for the final goalkeeping berth. Tony Ralston faces a fight to retain his place with limited game time at Celtic and likewise Ryan Porteous, Grant Hanley and maybe Kenny McLean will need to keep appearances up.
Liam Kelly looks the odd one out from the four keepers named while Anthony Ralston, Ryan Porteous, Liam Cooper and Kenny McLean also appear most at risk of missing out on a seat on the plane.
I can see Anthony Ralston, Liam Cooper, John Souttar and Greg Taylor missing out. The last one would be Craig Gordon, if he isn’t playing regularly at Hearts.
2
Jack Butland has been left out of the England squad. Do you think he should have been in it?
One hundred per cent he should have been in it. Butland’s level of performances domestically and in big games in Europe has been excellent. It really does smack of a snobbery towards the Scottish game and that does not bode well for the future.
He definitely deserved a call-up given his flawless form since moving to Glasgow. Gareth Southgate, however, doesn’t appear to be a huge admirer of Scottish football.
There are clearly other keepers in front of him and Gareth Southgate feels they are playing at a higher level. He just has to keep doing well for Rangers and hope he gets the opportunity.
3
Mikey Johnston is doing well on loan at West Brom. Can the winger still have a Celtic future?
Johnston has had umpteen chances at Celtic and for one reason or another never become a regular. Perhaps he’s found a level in the English Championship – a good one at that – which gives him a better crack at regular games.
He’s got ability alright but Johnston has had more than enough opportunities to show he can hack it at Parkhead and failed to take them. It’s time to accept that sometimes players just don’t fit at certain clubs.
He has had a few chances and never really taken them. Maybe the time is right for him to leave Celtic. He will certainly have options with the way he is playing at the Hawthorns.
4
Aberdeen are searching for a new boss. Swede Jimmy Thelin is on a shortlist but who should it be?
Thelin sounds like another big gamble. Although the Dons board are due one of those to pay off. I’ve not changed my mind that they should go all out for Alex Neil in the first instance and try to persuade him back north.
I’ve been tipping Rhys McCabe for the gig since Barry Robson got his jotters and I still think he could be an exciting choice. If he lacks the experience Dave Cormack requires, then Stephen Robinson has to be the pick.
I have always said the former AZ Alkmaar manager Pascal Jensen is one I would like to see. Another I’d consider would be Per-Mathias Hogmo, if he could be tempted back from Japan.