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Just thought I'd share some stats on the big man since it's the international break and there is nothing happening. Domestic (with Helander) 8 games played (6 away, clean sheets in all 6) 7 clean sheets 1 goal conceded (Devante Cole at home) Domestic (without Helander) 6 games played (2 away, conceded in both) 1 clean sheet (Aberdeen at home) 6 conceded Domestic away games (this stage last season) 8 games played 1 clean sheet 9 conceded Europe (with Helander) 4 games played 2 clean sheets 3 conceded (all away) (imo, only very limited blame on H for 1 of those) European Group Stage (this stage last season) 4 games played 1 clean sheet 6 conceded Total Record 12 games (8 away from home) 9 clean sheets These stats are surprising and tbh fantastic. We have found keeping clean sheets away from home very difficult to do and that was no different this season without Helander. Our clean sheet record away from home remained terrible for all of last season, even Cowdenbeath scored against us. It is unbelievable how different that has been with Helander in the team, a 100% clean sheet record in 6 away games. This was unheard of last season when we didn't even manage 2 league clean sheets in a row away from home. Now, no these stats do not tell the full story, you can't draw conclusions from a small data sample. But Gerrard called Helander a natural leader when he came in. I think his positioning is second to none, his heading is excellent and also accurate, he seems to aim his headers. I also think Goldson looks more assured beside him, possibly because there is less reliance on him to take the ball out from the back. Helander as a left footer takes the ball a lot and distributes it pretty well. It's a small data sample but so far it is very encouraging, and the contrast with our record when he hasn't played is hard to dismiss.

I think if we can get in the region of £8m for Kamara then it would have to be seriously considered. He's clearly a talented player but I also think he's more easily replaced than a few other players in the squad so it may be a more agreeable deal.

Keep it simple for an older person, just win the next two matches.

I know it’s fun and all that , but can we not just wait till after the next game to see where we are at , this is a bit premature even for our standards .

Porto can't beat us on goal difference if I'm reading this right.

We are obviously in a fantastic position in our group that all of us would have taken before the group began. However, it’s very tight and any of the teams are capable of taking point home or away from the others. There are a couple of very real scenarios where 3 points from our last 2 games may not be enough. If we lose in Rotterdam by a couple of goals and YB beat Porto at home by the same margin - both very possible scenarios - beating YB in the final game at Ibrox will not be enough if Feyenoord beat Porto by a single goal. Similarly, if we win in Rotterdam but lose to YB at Ibrox we could also go out if Porto won both their last 2 games by decent margins. Thankfully there are many more scenarios where 3 points from the last 2 games would be enough, but it makes me nervous and I really think we need at least a point from Feyenoord game to feel comfortable going into the last game. It would leave us all hollow if we didn’t make it through now. That said, I do have confidence in the team, albeit very quiet confidence - whatever that means...

Damn. I don't want to see us lose ANYBODY in January. But I feel Kamara is really starting to find his early year form again. Thought he was at the heart of everything good we did on Sunday past. Would hate to see him go because I think he can be a very, very good player for us. Remembering also that Davis isn't getting any younger - I think Kamara alongside Jack could be a fantastic engine room for us. For once Stevie, I really hope youre wrong.

Yes, thats how I saw it also. I agree its unlikely but we are pretty good at throwing away great positions (and being very unlucky with other results) in European groups over the years, including last year.

Who was also slow. My point obviously wasn't really about who was best and who was second best. David Weir was excellent for years but the point is our best centre back (or 2nd best if that is your view) was very slow and it wasn't that we just weren't very good, we dominated.

No it was Carlos Cuellar by a huge margin.

I don't think Helander's pace is an issue. I've seen him beaten once or twice in that regard but only because he was having to turn from a standing start and was up against a fairly quick player. Generally, I was quite surprised when we signed Helander - especially given the outlay - but, all things considered, he's been a good buy and has shown why he's played at a good level in his career.

Agreed. Just split from my wife too. Hope you are well, @craig!

Really sorry to hear that, mate.

We would be out as the first rule in a 3 way tie is to deduct the points won against the 4th placed team, and in your scenario where we beat the Dutch but lose to YB and Porto win their 2 games we would be left with just 4 points and be eliminated.

Sorry to hear that guy's and wish you all the best. PS. Can you send me the recipe.?

Yeah, more the point being made than the actual player. Davie Weir was exceptional for us, but probably slower than me. The difference, which is the point you are making, is that the first 5 yards are in the head with a player like that. Positioning and seeing a phase of play before it happens negated Weir's lack of pace significantly.

I think Goldson is the slowest of the two but his reading of the game and positioning compensate a lot. When he gets pulled out wide though he has been stripped a few times. Of course every defender can get beat for speed especially when you have players like Kent. I think many forwards are in general quicker than defenders so sometimes defenders look slow. I still smile when I think of Ryan Kent stripping Mikael Lustig and Lustig sitting down pleading to be taken off.?

IMO Gerrard together with his backroom team are the real deal and what I think is important, is that big clubs don't scare him, quite the opposite, he's a real leader. Initially I wasn't convinced by the simple logic that SG would go straight into the Liverpool job once he'd finished at Ibrox but as time has passed, I have started to see more than one reason why Liverpool would choose him to go straight in as long as he keeps improving our standard in Europe and starts winning stuff.

I believe SG will be here for a wee while yet especially if we win the league and the board continue to back him, SG loves Rangers and his desire to get us back to the top is obvious!. Right now SG probably couldn't get a better job than he has, IMO.

Aye, Craig can charge you a couple of hundred quid and then fly into Orlando to watch the game with me.

Good grief!! That would be soooooooo us! 10 points and still out Easily solved-point in Holland and beat YBB?

Even if we beat Feyenoord in Rotterdam, I am sure that there will still be some way for us to balls it up!!

that would require Feyenoord to win there remaining 2. possible but somewhat unlikely.

I actually thought he looked quite fast, and certainly much quicker than Goldson! His excellent positioning is key to his overall game, and if Goldson is now taking his position off Helander, then the improvement in Goldson's positioning will also be contributing to us losing less goals.

I should have said quotes or posts from Stevie to back it up............. At this stage, I doubt we'd get as much as 8M. IMO 5Mish plus sell-on clause more likely. If he continues to flourish, further down the line the price would go up. Given our finances and that he's not as difficult as some to replace, it'd be a no brainer.

He looks slow at times to me, makes up for it in experience/positioning possibly.

Crap, sorry to hear that stewarty. If you ever need a willing ear to bend my friend, you know where I am ! Particularly brutal when being asked for a divorce via WhatsApp And even worse with a son who just entered his Nat 5 year so a very important year for him

I would be sad to see him go but if bids at that level came in I think Aribo would step in and what we would lose is a bit of quality on the bench. King, Docherty and Polster provide good cover but just that bit less quality than Aribo or Kamara.

This is silly season for rumours/clickbait. Unless accompanied by real quotes (beware of journalists that make them up , eg. Boris Johnson) then it's not worth taking seriously.

Defenders: Michael Devlin (Aberdeen), Declan Gallagher (Motherwell), Scott McKenna (Aberdeen), Ryan Porteous (Hibernian), Stephen O'Donnell (Kilmarnock), Liam Palmer (Sheffield Wednesday), Greg Taylor (Celtic) Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), Ryan Christie (Celtic), John Fleck (Sheffield United), Ryan Jack (Rangers), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Kenny McLean (Norwich City), Lewis Morgan (Celtic), Graeme Shinnie (Derby County) ---------------- The difference between the level of player between the defence and the midfield is about 2 tiers of a league.

A draw between Porto and YB would mean a draw against Feynoord would see us through.

Was talking about this last night with another user and I have to say I'm pretty confident we can take at least four points from the final two games IF we play as we have done so far home and away in Europe under Gerrard. However, unlike previous games where it could be suggested they were effective free hits as expectations were low, now we should be looking to qualify so the pressure on the players is somewhat increased. I'm sure no-one would have it any different though.

No doubt if I’m lucky enough to get tickets for my son and the soon-to-be ex-wife she will refuse to take him because she “didn’t enjoy the experience last year”..... which is the nonsense she gave me for the semi final...... and even said my kid wouldn’t want to go.... despite not knowing he had already told me he did want to go.... So I ended up giving them away.... So I may have two tickets available if I’m “lucky” enough for them to get tickets in the ballot ?

Done the same myself many a time. Ask Craig!

Funny how a staunch nationalist wants to work for "The British Broadcasting Company". Also strange how "The British Broadcasting Company" want staunch nationalists working for them.

(ii) Rank Hypocrisy. Enthralled, I returned home last evening, Rangers beating of Porto was the high on my mind. I switched on the TV and found BBC's Question Time underway. Guests included Humza Yousaf and Angela Haggerty. The HND armed Journo is a piece of work, and considerable work has been put in by many to ensure she is provided with every opportunity. Angela straddles the horses of both Irish and Scottish nationalism, riding down Union aspirations the way she rode down any claims that fellow Journo, Lyra McKee was murdered by the IRA. As my high ebbed, I wondered just how far does Angela's protection extend? She is among a coterie of Journos regularly invited by PQ to broadcast their preferred prejudice. You have the likes of former Sellik View Editor, Kevin McKenna, the Herald's former Literary Editor, Hugh MacDonald, and Herald columnist, Catriona Stewart(Gregor Cox). They all provide support to a range of Producers, Staffers, and Presenters. Well, it's mutual support; Chris McLaughlin, Tom English, and DrStu' can all say what they like, knowing it will minimised/expanded, rationalised/evaluated, justified/acceptable, ...... etc. They have all uttered the most vile, sectarian statements about Rangers and Rangers supporters knowing that not one of them will ever be pulled up, chastised, or disciplined. They will not be reminded either, their sin is clean. They were all contributors to the Rangers Tax Case Blog and that has never been raised for conversation since the day it all disappeared, after a number of court rulings. Nearly a million impressions gone overnight without a word. Actually, DrStu' has commented on a few occasions, it has always been the same, "Rangers supporters should forget all about the RTC Blog". It's the arrogance, we are not allowed to find out whose display cabinet hosts the Orwell prize? DrStu' the Jedi Knight! Last Thursday's Media Review, you know that show where DrStu' brings a different voice to the microphone? He introduced himself saying he had been watching Jeremy Corbyn's election campaign. He found it most compelling, or rather he could understand why traditional voters in the north of England would find it compelling. He urged those voters to forego the temptation of the Brexit Party and return to the socialism fold. A break ensued, then DrStu returned to speak of "coherence". In Scotland, Corbyn's message was incoherent because socialism was represented by the SNP. Here's me thinking if you allow your socialist sensitivities to be subdued by nationalist demands, then you are a national socialist; something entirely different. Why can't DrStu' allow his fellow Scots to vote Labour? Further, I am surprised that the broadcast footprint of BBC Scotland has been extended to include the north of England. Of course the rank hypocrisy is that DrStu' hates the English as much as he hates Rangers supporters. Question Time is a show that exercises the collective minds of the Gang Hut. We have had several rantings and ravings on the make up of the panel, and even more interesting is a demand to ensure approval of the audience members. DrStu' spent an entire Media Review battering a particular audience member from Livingston who had rag dolled Fiona Hyslop. It was DrStu's favoured shotgun approach, he was outraged that the Livi' chap was a drummer in an Orange marching band. The rank hypocrisy is DrStu's Councilor in Dennistoun is a drummer in a marching band, his name is Allan Casey and he banged the drum for an Irish Republican marching band. Obviously, DrStu' is prepared to subdue his socialist principles because Casey is nationalist Councilor. I suppose it's a relief that DrStu' only hates some drummers. The other conclusion must be DrStu' the Jedi Knight approves of Angela? It was he on the Media Review that announced Lyra McKee had died as a result of cross fire. Mutual support provides mutual comfort.

I meant to post this a week or so ago. Following Dundee Utd announcing a significant financial loss recently, a loss that was underlined by a salary to turnover ratio of 133%, the evening Sportsound featured Jim Spence, Allan Preston and Chick Young. Jim Spence is a well known professional Dundonian, a man of the people, recognised as the senior legal opinion for most of Tayside and someone who cares greatly about sporting integrity. For the younger readers sporting integrity is something that was all the rage earlier in this decade. Anyway, I expected a full evisceration of Dundee Utd from Lord Spence, someone as concerned with financial probity as him would be ripping then a new one as they say in the High Court. Well, you can imagine my surprise when in fact it turned out that dear old Jim was in fact something of an apologist for Dundee Utd's reckless absentee owners. Apparently they've got deep pockets, have fallen in love with Dundee Utd (I know, I know) and see them as a long term investment. Indeed apparently their business plan will see them making money in the mid to long term. Incredibly this clear case of "financial doping" doesn't require criticism, simply explanation. It's a project, there's nothing untoward going on and everything will be fine. Allan Preston, a football agent who relies on working with clubs for his living, also saw nothing to worry about or question. It was left to an incredulous Chick Young, for possibly the first time in his life, to express what everyone else listening was thinking, namely WHAT THE FUCK??!! Yes, BBC Sportsound that evening made Chick Young sound measured, qualified and sensible. Who says it's not worth the licence fee. PS For some reason no Dundee supporters were invited on to give their opinion on Dundee Utd's problems. Again, a break with precedent surely.

(i) Rank Hypocrisy! Let's go back ten days, DrStu' is doing his petty and ill informed gig on, 'Off the Ball'. The guest is fellow Super Saintee, the actor Colin McCredie. You may remember his fifteen year stint in Taggart? Of course, he has something to plug. Whatever it is, you would be better served finding a burning orphanage to view. The real reason he turned up at PQ, apart from the peppercorn fee and further exposure; was to await the invitation to watch St Johnstone play Acas at Perth on an incoming live feed. DrStu' and Cowan extend the invitation and McCredie offers, "ah was wondering where I could watch the game"? It's the sense of entitlement available to the Gang Hut and their pals. DrStu' bangs on about his keen sense of injustice, it keeps him awake at night. It is really from the first whistle to the last for the Gang Huttees. Rangers supporters paying their BBC License Fee when Rangers entertained Acas did not receive live coverage from Ibrox. In fact, Sportsound went off air as the Ibrox game kicked-off. In fact, full live coverage of the Livi'/Celtic game had just ended and Big Dick handed over to Geoff Webster who spent two hours talking rugby/tennis/golf. Similarly, when Motherwell visited the stadium, full live commentary of Aberdeen/Sellik ended and again Big Dick handed over to fellow Dandy, Geoff Webster for more minority sport. Rangers License Fee payers on both Sundays received two thirty second reports from Rob McLean, interrupting the Webster flow. The rank hypocrisy of the entitled few exercising their privilege over the air, knowing the vast majority listening are paying. Rangers supporters in remote areas, infirm Bears, elderly and alone bluenoses, ..........etc - those where their radio/TV is their link to the outside world should know, DrStu' sleeps well.