team for thursday...

[Frankie 8,687]

Ferguson has been average since his return but no-one can blame him entirely for our defeats.

 

Perhaps if Papac was eligible, Svensson playing well and Clement fit, we could afford to nurture Ferguson back in the reserves. But, unfortunately, we're short of defenders so Hemdani has to play centre-half which leaves 2 places in the centre up for grabs. Gavin Rae or Charlie Adam would maybe fit in one of them but I'd much rather have Ferguson in there as our primary player.

 

Ferguson should never be exempt from blame or criticism. However, he's just back after 5 months out and minimal pre-season training. He was never going to be 100% fit or sharp in his first few games. he should, however, have been able to come back into the team and be helped by the other players whcih hasn't happened.

 

The 2 man midfield system isn't the best way to protect a player returning from injury either.

 

No matter, Ferguson has to get back playing regularly and try and find some form. The best way to do that is to play against the likes Celtic, Molde and Hibs. yes, the results and performances have been poor but I doubt they would have been any better without Ferguson.

[Guest BlueBlood]

I think the major difference here is that if we play an unfit Fergie in a league game and lose/draw it's not the end of the world.....if we play an unfit Fergie and have to carry him through the game, then lose, that is our European season OVER..no second chances, which would be a financial disaster.

We need to win this game, no farting around with these guys, get stuck in early doors then if we do manage to be 2 or 3 up with half an hour left (would that be brill or what!!), bring him on and get a wee bit more match practice under his belt but imho it's too big a game to risk an unfit, out of form player.