The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Scotland in need of Rio gold dust
Talking Football takes on an Olympic theme this week as our writers look at the top issues from the league action
Q Here Wiggo, here Wiggo, here Wiggo. It has been a miserable, Eurosless summer for Scotland’s football team but can they be inspired by the brilliant Olympians of Team GB?
IR: I am a football man through and through and will remain so but even I have been tuning into the diving, gymnastics and, especially, the cycling. The GB cycling team is an example of pure excellence and source of national pride. Scotland play Malta in just a couple of weeks’ time so it would be nice if some of the Rio gold dust can be sprinkled on them.
EN: They might not quite reach the London medal total but this has been a more successful Games for Team GB as it’s an away one. Stunning British performances can’t take away from the drugs cloud that has hung over Rio for me, though.
NR: I always laugh whenever I hear footballers described as “athletes”. There is simply no comparison between the amount of training the top swimmers, runners and cyclists, etc complete on a daily basis compared to someone in Scotland who kicks a ball about for a living. Until that changes, the game in this country will never hit gold medal standard.
Q Hot to Trott. St Johnstone last lost a competitive match on April 9 but do you think they can keep that run going against Celtic this weekend?
IR: Call me daft and keep me away from the bookies but I actually fancy Saints to get something out of this. They continue to impress us all.
EN: I’m with Ian. Celtic will rest players with the season-defining trip to Israel looming large and a trip to McDiarmid is probably the toughest one in the league for the Old Firm just now. A draw.
NR: With mega-millions at stake in next Tuesday’s tie with Hapoel, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers and his players will understandably have one eye on that game. That distraction could cost them in Perth with Tommy Wright’s men taking up from where they left off last season and I can see the game ending all square. Q I just Kenny believe it. How can you possibly explain Dundee United’s loss
to Dumbarton that has left them with just one point from two matches?
IR: Having witnessed Saturday’s defeat first hand and the win over Partick that preceded it, United’s performance against the Sons remains a mystery. They started OK then got stuck in first gear but I think they will win well against Ayr.
EN: I think there may be a few peaks and troughs to come before Ray McKinnon can get some momentum going. The main thing is staying in touch with Hibs while the new team beds in.
NR: Hopefully in the long run, the Dumbarton game will be seen as a huge wake-up call. McKinnon knows only too well having managed Raith last season that there are no easy matches in the Championship. It is a vital lesson his players have to take on board – and fast.
Q What a Peaty. With Harry Souttar heading to Stoke and such a poor defensive display against the Sons, just how desperately do United need a commanding central defender?
IR: They are a solid central defender or two away from being a good side but need to recruit as soon as possible. It’s easier said than done but fans can be assured boss Ray McKinnon knows exactly what’s wrong with his team.
EN: I’ll bow to Ian’s judgment on this one. He’s seen a lot of United so far. But it seems pretty clear that DonaldsonDurnan won’t be a title-winning central defensive partnership.
NR: United are crying out for an Andy Webster/Lee Wilkie/Darren Dods-type to anchor their defence but unfortunately those sorts of defenders are all too rare – and often prohibitively costly – these days. McKinnon often pulled the proverbial rabbit out of the hat at Raith last season, such as Harry Panayiotou on loan from Leicester City, and he may have to do something similar to solve the defensive conundrum.
Q So Farah so good. Raith Rovers have made a great start to lead the Championship but can they keep it going against Fife rivals Dunfermline?
IR: Two wins is a brilliant way to kick off the season and extremely commendable given the enforced managerial change. If they can win what will be a cracker of a Fife derby then Rovers will be in great shape.
EN: I’ve been pleased for Gary Locke. There was far too much negativity surrounding his appointment. By all accounts they’ve been an attractive watch as well as a winning one.
Dunfermline go for it as well, so a highscoring draw is my tip.
NR: Locke inherited the nucleus of a good squad but he has added to that with the likes of Jordan Thompson and Declan McManus on loan from Rangers and Fleetwood Town respectively as well as others such as Jean-Yves M’voto and Rudi Skacel. I just think they will have too much firepower for the Pars to cope with, especially at Stark’s Park.
Q Bolt from the Blue. Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has courted controversy by insinuating that Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is going through a midlife crisis. Should he keep his thoughts to himself or is it all harmless banter?
IR: The comments were a bit tongue in cheek and he obviously fancies himself as a master of wit and repartee. He should do his talking on the park, though, and leave poor, old(ish) Brendan alone.
EN: I was listening to the interview on the way to work and it was just a laugh. Barton’s on-field performances have been a bit of an anti-climax so far though. I think Jordan Rossiter will turn out to be a better signing.
NR: Barton banter? Yawn . . .