ian1964

I think Hutton had an exceptional game and is definately going to be one of the best right backs in europe if he keeps going the way he is.I'll just be glad to have watched him in a Rangers Jersey before he heads of to pastures new.

Alan Hutton touted as future star of Serie A after show of force Phil Gordon Christian Panucci, Italy’s match-winner, believes that Alan Hutton is ready to write himself a ticket to Serie A after giving the world champions a torrid time at Hampden Park. Indeed, the AS Roma right back could easily be facing up to Hutton again next season in the Eternal City if Lazio pursue their interest in the Rangers player. Panucci endorsed Hutton’s capabilities for his Roman rivals after watching the 22-year-old Scotland right back turn the clock back and offer a glimpse of what Panucci once did himself, as an attacking full back. Now Panucci is 34, but his mirror image on the Scotland side used those younger legs to devastating effect to torment Panucci’s partner, Gianluca Zambrotta, the left back. “Hutton is a great player, so quick,” the former Chelsea player said. “He has a good future ahead of him. I know that for many foreign players it is hard to play in Italy, but I think Hutton has the right mentality and it would be good if a team want to sign him.” Panucci made his name at AC Milan a decade ago as an energetic right back before moving to Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Chelsea and then Roma in 2001. Ironically, he was not supposed to be playing at Hampden. Panucci had been out of the Azzurri lineup since 2004 - when he was excluded by Marcello Lippi, the former coach - but was recalled last month by his old friend Roberto Dona-doni, who was a teammate at Milan, for the win over Georgia. Saturday was his 51st appearance and he had only scored twice before for Italy, until his 90th-minute header from Andrea Pirlo’s cross killed Scotland’s dreams. Panucci admitted to a tinge of sympathy for the hosts. “I am very sad for the Scottish players,” he said. “They were a good team and they always used fair play. They had a great mentality. I also loved the supporters here. It was a great atmosphere. “Scotland played very well after they scored and they were very strong in the last 20 minutes. What happened in the last minute should not change that. I think you must be pleased with the way they played for your fans. For me, this is a dream. At 34, to score the goal that takes us to the European Championship finals is special. For it to come in the last minute is even better. I am so happy.” Panucci would not be so happy if Italy and Scotland were paired for the third time in a qualification campaign when the draw is made for the 2010 World Cup groups next week in South Africa. After facing each other in battle for the 2006 World Cup and then Euro 2008, he feels a ceasefire would be better. “A third time? I prefer not,” he said. “However, I would like to see Scotland qualify for that tournament, for these wonderful supporters.”

According to the Telegraph,Barry wasn't that good,well not as good as Brown ? Craig Gordon 7/10 Could do nothing about either of Italy's goals. Has had a wonderful campaign and was again solid despite the slippery conditions. One incredible save from Camoranesi in the build-up to Italy's disallowed goal, which kept Scotland in it. Scotland go down fighting In pics: Action from the Euro 2008 qualifiers Scotland player ratings | Scottish fans' forum Alan Hutton 8/10 Shaky start, but the Rangers right-back was soon bombing forward as is his wont. He gave his opposite number, Gianluca Zambrotta, a torrid time. Desperately unlucky to concede the free-kick which led to Italy's winning goal. David Weir 6/10 An awful start from the veteran defender, winning his 61st cap yesterday, as Luca Toni gave him the slip twice in two minutes. Lack of pace exposed. But went close with two headers from corners, the second cleared off the line by Pirlo. Stephen McManus 7/10 Another who struggled to contain Toni in the early stages, but generally sound in defence. Sent a header wide from McFadden's early cross. Rallied, together with Weir, and kept Toni very quiet in the second half. Gary Naysmith 6/10 Tried to get forward but didn't find much joy down Scotland's left. One excellent recovery tackle on Luca Toni before he was booked for a foul on the Italian striker. Paul Hartley 6/10 Quiet game, but that was to be expected given his job on the day. Constantly breaking up Italian attacks but offered little in possession of the ball and gave away a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the area. Scott Brown 7/10 The pick of Scotland's midfield. Always on the edge in terms of his aggression, but drove his side on and showed the Italians no respect. Looked utterly dejected when substituted for Miller. Darren Fletcher 5/10 Gave the ball away far too often. There was a question mark over his inclusion after his performance in Georgia and he didn't do much to reassure the detractors. Big-match experience meant he stayed on when McLeish went 4-4-2. Barry Ferguson 6/10 Was half a yard offside in scoring his first international goal in five years, but no one inside Hampden cared a jot. Until then Scotland's captain had had a quiet game, struggling to impose himself on proceedings. Lee McCulloch 6/10 Shot blocked in the first half was one of Scotland's few genuine chances. Scrapped for everything, but not much happening on his flank. Had a big hand in Scotland's goal, though, when his near-range stab was parried by Buffon. James McFadden 6/10 The tactic of playing the Everton man on his own up front backfired after just 70 seconds. Looked isolated and frustrated until Miller's introduction. Wonderful chance to win game from Miller's pass across goal, but shot wide. Subs: Kenny Miller (for Brown 74). Laid the ball on a plate for McFadden. Otherwise quiet. Kris Boyd (for McCulloch 90) - no time to impress.

Aye I know.how shite are we :cheers:

So our recent results that have us up to 13th in the world rankings doesn't help you answer the question ?,IMO we have a really good side,better than I can remember,and we were very unlucky not to qualify.As for tactics...................well we have to play to our strengths and that is what we have been doing all through the qualifiers,I think Eck has us playing well and just because we didn't beat the world champions I find it very strange that he seems to be getting a bit of a hard time,well done Eck and the players for getting our pride back :cheers:

So do you think Scotland have got worse or better under Eck ?,I think he has done a great job,these were the same tactics that got us the win against France

There's no doubt that FIFA will be happy that Italy and France qualified rather than Scotland,but conspiricy ????????,sorry but i'm not buying that,the ref and his assistants were shocking end of story

Not only ws he a threat going forward,he put in a few challenges at the back as well,he was all over the place,outstanding performance,now just watch the offers coming in for him,especially from Italian clubs.To be fair apart from the first five minutes yesterday I thought we did excellent and deserved at least a draw,but it was not to be so let's look forward to the world cup qualifiers,which will be drawn soon,and because of our euro performances we will get a good draw and hopefully qualify for the world cup

As you know, Glasgow has won it's bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2014. What you may not know is that many of the famous events which go to make up this spectacular event, are to be especially altered for 2014. A copy of these changes has been leaked, and is reproduced below. OPENING CEREMONY The flame will be ignited by a petrol bomb thrown by a native of Ferguslie Park, in the traditional dress of balaclava and a Burberry shell suit. The flame will be contained in a large overturned police van situated on the roof of the stadium. THE EVENTS In previous Commonwealth Games, Scotland 's competitors have not been particularly successful. In order to redress the balance, some of the events have been altered slightly to the advantage of local athletes. 100 METRES SPRINT Competitors will have to hold a DVD player and microwave oven (one in each arm) and on the sound of the starting pistol, a police dog will be released from a cage 10 yards behind the athletes. 110 METRES HURDLES As above but with added obstacles (i.e. car bonnets, hedges, garden fences, Walls etc) HAMMER Competitors in this event may choose the type of hammer they wish to use (claw, sledge etc) the winner will be the one who can cause the most physical damage within three attempts. FENCING This event shall be sponsored by Cash Converters who shall also provide the hardware. The contest itself shall be based outside Kebab shops in Baillieston, Riddrie, Drumpchapel, and Easterhouse....the winner shall be the one who can leave A & E first. SHOOTING A strong challenge is expected from local men in this event. The first target will be a moving police van. In the second round, competitors will aim at a post office clerk, bank teller or Securicor-style wages delivery man. The traditional .22 rifle has been replaced in this event by a choice of either a Browning automatic handgun or Sawn-off 12-bore shotgun. BOXING Entry to the boxing will be restricted to husband and wife teams, and will take place on a Friday night. The husband will be given 15 pints of lager while the wife will be told not to make him any tea when he gets home. The bout will then commence. CYCLING TIME TRIALS Competitors will be asked to break into the Glasgow University bike shed and take an expensive mountain bike owned by some mummy's boy on his first trip away from home. All against the clock. CYCLING PURSUIT As above, but the bike will be owned by a visiting member of the Australian rugby team, who will witness the theft. MODERN PENTATHLON Amended to include mugging, breaking and entering, flashing, joyriding, under-age drinking and arson. SWIMMING EVENTS All waterways are currently being tested for toxicity levels, once one is found that can support human life, swimming events will be organised, please note that the Synchronised Swimming event for this year will comprise of dropping acid and watching all the funky ripples on the pool, the specific musical support to this event will be provided by "Belle & Sebastian". THE MARATHON A safe route has yet to be decided. MEN'S 50KM WALK Unfortunately this will have to be cancelled, as the police cannot guarantee the safety of anyone walking the streets of Glasgow, especially anyone that appears to be mincing ... THE CLOSING CEREMONY Entertainment will include formation rave dancing by members of the Govan Health in the Community anti-drug campaigners, synchronised rock throwing, and music by the Dennistoun community choir. The flame will be extinguished by police riot water cannon following inevitable pitch invasion by confused old firm fans. The stadium itself will then be boarded up before the local athletes break into it and remove all the copper piping and the central heating boiler.

Ah !!!!,see but I like a challenge :cheers:

It's a hard choice for big Eck,we can't just go into the game all guns blazing,he may just opt for Miller to try and wear them down and the option to change it when the need arises,we don't want Italy to score first so he may choose to keep it tight and see how the game pans out,if it's still 0-0 at half time then I believe we will be in with a great chance of winning by giving it a real go,we must be careful early in the game

Well,my bet is going to be L.McClloch to score first in a 1-0 win 50/1 Just got a feeling the big man will score a rasping header

I agree that Italy are world champions and should win,however few would argue that France are the best team in the world and we beat them twice,no fluke,so I don't see why we can't beat the Italians,especially at Hampden where we remain unbeaten,although it's a big ask of the players,let's not forget that we are a very good side at home and if we play a high tempo game I think we can win,and on that note i'll finish with saying we will win,BELIEVE !!!!!!!!!!

Didn't do much else.........except score goals................mmmmmm rings a bell !!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TYyEloarQg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqXwvYSDaIk

But if the clause states that the 2 mill has to be met,then you would assume he would have to be playing well for some-one to meet the fee,IMO from a players point of view it's a good thing to have in your contract

I've always said,if a player wants to go let him go,no matter who he is,at the end of the day Rangers agreed to his contract,if it's true,so IMO he's entitled to use the clause in his contract,as for replacing him..................although he's a decent player i'm sure we can survive without him :cheers:

Italian football faces suspension Minister Melandri has called for tough action to be taken Italy's sports minister has called on the Italian Football Federation to suspend the league championship after the latest outbreak of fan violence. Across the country, games were halted and police were attacked after a Lazio fan was shot by a policeman on Sunday. "I've asked if there is the possibility of a strong gesture, in particular suspending the championships for a few weeks," said Giovanna Melandri. The authorities are expected to make a decision on the matter on Monday. Melandri added: "Today I think a significant gesture needs to be made to express the condolences from the sporting world and the football world and the shared mourning and at the same time a condemnation without hesitation of violence." 606: DEBATE Your views on the weekend's events in Italy Sunday's incident occurred when Lazio fans travelling to see their team play at Inter Milan encountered Juventus fans at a motorway service station in Tuscany. Lazio's game with Inter and Roma's match with Cagliari were both postponed in the aftermath of the fatal shooting, and Atalanta's game with Milan was abandoned after just seven minutes. Italy's Euro 2008 qualifier away to Scotland on Saturday means there are no top-flight games next weekend, but lower league matches could be stopped sooner. Uefa spokesman William Gaillard told BBC Sport that although there was clearly a serious problem, it was unfair to lay the blame entirely at the door of football. "It reflects social difficulties in Italian cities which have little to do with football, and also the presence of extremists and organised groups do not reflect what the average fan feels about football," he said. "That bullet could have hit anyone in the parking lot, so it's tragic. Football has a central place in the life of Italy, so whatever problems exist at a social level find their way to the stadium." The powers that be should just throw the Italians out of all european competions,then we'd defenitely get to EURO 2008,but seriously with all thier cheating and crowd trouble it makes you wonder what would happen to us if it was our problem !!!!!

Lyon lost 2-1 at home to Marseille,so mixed results for our opponents

I'd leave Harley out,push McFadden further up and play Mculloch :cheers:

Southgate won't be there in January :cheers: With Huttons form there will be loads of speculation surrounding him

Group B showdown: Scotland poised to make history Saturday November 17 (all times GMT) Scotland v Italy 5pm Lithuania v Ukraine 6pm Wednesday November 21 Georgia v Lithuania 3.30pm Italy v Faroe Islands 7.30pm Ukraine v France 7.30pm If Scotland win They will qualify for Euro 2008. It would also mean France need just a point in Ukraine to qualify ahead of Italy. If Scotland draw They would qualify only if Italy lost to the Faroe Islands or France lost to Ukraine If Scotland lose They are eliminated, with France and Italy qualifying for Euro 2008 — The team that scored first has gone on to win each of the 11 Euro 2008 qualifying games Scotland have played so far — Scotland have used 29 players in their 11 group matches. In failing to qualify for Euro 2004, previous manager Berti Vogts used 33 players in only 10 matches — Only two players have featured in all Scotland’s qualifi ers so far – goalkeeper Craig Gordon and defender David Weir — James McFadden and Kris Boyd are the Scots’ Euro 2008 top scorers with four each TV match Scotland v Italy Saturday, Sky Sports 1, kick-off 5pm

I hope you're right Gribz :cheers:

Mmmmmmmmmmm,Stuttgart beat Bayern 3-1,never seen the game,ut it looks like they're hitting a bit of form,here's hoping they play shite against us