ian1964

I must admit I was not celebrating England not qualifying,although it did make me smile a tad,I liked Hoddles comment '' Scotland were unlucky not to qualify,England were just rubbish all through the qualifiers ''

The thing with young players is you just never know what they're going to turn out like,Hutton is the perfect example of how a player can change his ways knuckle down and learn how to become a good player,and IMO that also applies to Broadfoot,Gow,Naysmith and Whittaker,they need to get a decent run in the first team to see what they are like

As long as it's in the wage structure then give him the best we can,but it's only a matter of time before he moves,as long as he stays at Ibrox for another couple of seasons at least then good luck to the guy

Novo misses vital European run-in Nacho Novo has been in good form for Rangers this season Rangers forward Nacho Novo expects to be out of action for up to six weeks. The Spaniard dislocated his shoulder during a friendly with Middlesbrough and is expected to miss the remaining Champions League group fixtures. Meanwhile, Stevie Smith has targeted a return to training in a month's time after a hernia operation. The 22-year-old left-back has not played for the Ibrox club since December and has undergone three operations in a year. Manager Walter Smith told the club website he hoped it was the end of the defender's injury problems. "Stevie had another operation last week in Germany for a slight hernia problem. It will be another month before he returns to training," said Smith. Smith said the full-back had visited a number of European countries in the past 11 months seeking specialist advice to tackle his injury problems.

Celtic Trust in IRA war of words The Celtic Trust was opposed to John Reid's appointment A Celtic supporters' trust chief who defended the singing of pro-IRA songs by fans has been described as unrepresentative by the football club. Dr Jeanette Findlay, chair of the Celtic Trust, said chants about the IRA were "songs from a war of independence going back over a hundred years". She was speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's breakfast programme. But a club spokeswoman said: "These comments are totally unrepresentative of the Celtic support." Findlay's comments came a day after her organisation opposed the appointment of John Reid as Celtic chairman because of the former Cabinet Minister's role during the war in Iraq. And it came on the day when Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, joined the 12 Scottish Premier League clubs in launching a month of action in the Kick-Out Bigotry campaign. What history tells us is that it is facile to say that politics and sport will ever be separated Dr Jeanette Findlay "There are around 27,500 Celtic shareholders," said Celtic's statement. "We believe that Ms Findlay claims to speak for only around 200 of these - a very, very small minority - as yesterday's 99.1% vote in favour of Dr Reid's appointment as chairman clearly underlines. "We are delighted with the way in which our fans currently support the team." Dr Findlay is a research fellow and economics lecturer at Glasgow University and co-director of Glasgow University Football Research Centre, where she has been involved in setting up a post-graduate course in sport and public policy. Findlay told BBC presenter Nicky Campbell that the trust's opposition to Reid's appointment was because of his "leading role in relation to what many believe is an illegal and immoral war". Campbell said that people who had relatives murdered by the IRA might find songs about the organisation equally as offensive. Findlay claimed that Celtic "was founded to help the poor Irish immigrants to Scotland" and that many of their descendants still supported the club. MY SPORT: DEBATE It's amazing how so few people can cause such a stir vortexbhoy "They may take a particular view of the history of what happened in Ireland which is different from many other people, so I don't call those pro-terrorist songs," said the chair of the organisation pressing for fan representation on Celtic's board. "What history tells us is that it is facile to say that politics and sport will ever be separated. "Throughout history, sporting events are used as means of expressing political views or political identities." Celtic Supporters Association spokesman Jim Divers said his organisation opposed any offensive add-ons to chants. "We will continue to support the club's many on-going anti-sectarianism initiatives, which are backed by the vast majority of supporters," he told the Evening Times. A Scottish government spokeswoman said of Dr Findlay's comments: "Her repugnant views have no place in a modern, forward-thinking Scotland. "The people of Scotland have had enough of bigotry."

Thomas Buffel was the inspiration for the reserves today as Rangers beat Inverness 4-2. Buffel was involved in three of the goals and scored one as the reserves cruised to a comfortable win. The Belgian was involved in 21 min when he and strike partner Stevie Lennon combined to set up Chris Burke who drove the ball home. Then in 42 min Buffel raced virtually the length of the field before squaring for Lennon who couldn't miss from close range' A minute later the young striker returned the compliment when he rolled the ball in for Buffel to fire Rangers three in front. Substitute Jeroen van den Broeck,who replaced John Fleck,made the game safe when he latched onto Buffels pass to shoot home. Team ; Reidford,McMillan,Ehiogu,Chris Smith,,Kinniburgh,Chris Burke,Furman{Kind Bendiksen 12} Fleck[van den Broeck 80},Efrem{ Little 83},Buffel,Lennon

IMO he's too young to move,he should stay for a few seasons yet,get more experience playing in the CL and for Scotland,unless of course he goes to Manure or some other top team as first choice

Who would you like to see signing for us in January ?

Gary Mcallister was in for the job after Walter Smith quit,I wonder if he will be back in for the job ?

Stevie Smith underwent another operation in Germany last week and Walter Smith says it was a success and could be back to full training in a month. Nacho Novo has a shoulder injury,picked up in the closed door friendly against Middlesborough,and could be out for for a couple of weeks. Andy Webster went through a simple clean up operation on his knee and should be back training next month.

I thought we had a wage strycture at Ibbrox ?,would Kenny Miller not break that ?

If Big Eck leaves,which would please some folk !!!!!,who do you think would be the best man to take over ?

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 !!!!!!!!!!