Will Celtic fans forgive Brendan Rodgers and should we start packing bags for Scotland going to Euro 2024? Monday Jury
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Keith Jackson: Yes, this is not a drill. This is happening people. Two more wins in the next two games against Georgia and Cyprus will all but seal the deal. And Clarke’s blossoming Scotland will thoroughly deserve it too.
David McCarthy: The very Scottish thing to say would be – not yet, you never know with us. But this feels like a very different Scotland team. Six points from the next two games against Georgia and Cyprus is very do-able and that will take us right to the airport check-in desk.
Scott Burns: We are in the perfect place. I think if we can beat Georgia tomorrow night we can get the passports out for Germany. A top-two finish isn’t too far away.
Michael Gannon: The washing is done and the new undies have been purchased but let’s not stick the stuff in the case just yet. It’s been an unbelievable start to the campaign but there are hurdles still to clear.
How does Steve Clarke approach tomorrow night‘s clash against our bogey team Georgia?
Keith: Probably with all guns blazing because that’s been Scotland’s approach in these type of games at Hampden. But at the same time with one eye on keeping the door closed at the back. I think we can safely say by now the boss knows what he’s doing.
David: With confidence and a belief that his game plan will be good enough to overcome stubborn opposition. Keeping a clean sheet is a must because we have enough of as threat from middle to front and at set plays to score goals. It might take time but one goal might be enough.
Scott: I think he will have to freshen the team up after the heat in Norway. I expect him to open up a lot more, being at home, although he will be aware of the threat of Georgia. I still think he will get the job done.
Michael: With some mild caution. This lot have been a nuisance over the years and won’t go quietly at Hampden either. We might need to be patient but at the same time more adventurous. This is a more worrying fixture than Norway.
Brendan Rodgers is on the verge of a sensational Celtic return. Is it time for Hoops fans to forgive and forget?
Keith: Yes. And they will. Rodgers will have them eating out of his hand the moment he walks back in. Even more so when he starts winning matches again. It’s time some sections of the support learned to act a bit less like spoiled kids and a bit more like adults.
David: If Rodgers gets off to a flier he’ll be forgiven even if the manner in which he left in 2019 won’t be forgotten. If it’s a slow start he won’t be given the same kind of slack he would get if he hadn’t walked out on them before.
Scott: The bottom line is that Rodgers just needs to hit the ground running. If he wins games then all will be forgotten. Results and trophies are the be all and end all.
Michael: Very much so. Tempting Rodgers back is a massive coup and it shows his commitment to the club when he could easily stick his feet up for a few months and walk in to any number of EPL jobs. He should be welcomed back like the Prodigal Son.
How is Michael Beale’s Rangers revolution shaping up?
Keith: It’s picking up a head of steam but judgment should be reserved until the new recruits are stripped for action. If they can settle and impress as quickly as the January arrivals then his new-look side will become a highly credible force next season.
David: He’s getting his work done early which is always a positive. Four new men through the doors with more to come and if they have the same positive impact as January additions Cantwell and Raskin have had then the signs are encouraging.
Scott: He has a lot of business done. The spine of his team is coming together. He still needs to bring in a main striker and it remains to be seen if he will eventually get Cyriel Dessers. I still think there could be a lot of exits.
Michael: There are promising signs. Butland is a solid keeper and Dowell has potential if he stays fit. Lammers might not have a spectacular set of stats but he’s impressed enough gaffers to take a punt and he might have finally found a home.