Caledonian Craig

Not so much? It was more like not at all.

Carver today saying Hickey may be back training with Brentford's first team in two to three weeks. With Brentford lingering near the bottom of the table they won't have the luxury of easing him back in so it is far from inconceivable that Hickey will get a game or two under his belt before the end of the season. And then we have two friendlies he can get match fitness built up in so I won't be writing him off just now.

For sure. The SNP will splinter into a couple of different parties I think and obviously they will need to take a whole new look at who they want to appeal to politically. The former unionist parties would then have a new choice to either embrace independence and set its sights on improving an independent Scotland or fight for re-unification.

Yes my point is perhaps the SNP are loathe to wade in on Labour too much as Labour would point blank refuse any coalition should that situation arise. Also thinking about it perhaps SNP are comfortable enough with Labour getting in at Westminster, wait for the inevitable implosion and point to the walking disasters (Tory and Labour parties) that are destined to forever rule Scotland unless we get independence.

I do see what you are saying and do tend to agree but perhaps there is a little trepidation to do this yet. There is still a rank outside chance would then perhaps struggle to get a full majority and if that happened then zilch chance of Labour turning to SNP for a coalition and potential referendum as a caveat. That could perhaps be a reason.

Is that you Charlie?

I am not sure if this hasbeen confirmed yet as cannot find confirmation online that Grant Hanley has withdrawn from the squad with an achilles injury. Also in the same article Steven Pressley who works in a development role at Brentford feels it is 'touch and go' if Aaron Hickey will make the Euros.

Well if its anything like the opinion on here it is because he is seen as 'the chosen.one' by his predecessor. No more, no less. It is F-all to do with his leadership skills or persona as to why the SNP have fallen in the opinion polls and more to do with the hatchet job done on the party by the biased media who smelt the blood in the water over the Nicola Sturgeon scandal which as ywt proved to be groundless accusations and since then any thing they could pick up on such as Matheson running up a iPad bill they have jumped on. Those sort of things,are what have harmed the SNP polls and naturally you get a time after over a decade in power where people will buy into the mantra of 'its time for a change' but do not stop to think of the rancid options.

I spend a fair bit of my time (through work) in England and frequently hear the locals far from enthused about the nailed-on cert of a Labour government in the next GE. Generally, hear quite a bit terminology like 'they'll be no better than the Tories'. Scottish yoons take note - hardly a glowing indictment of the Westminster political scene that you are so desperate to remain part of.

Sorry that is nonsensical. It is a bit like saying you are for same sex marriages but are anti-gay. Or that you support the Oil extraction in the North Sea but vote Green. I would say the truth of the matter (without having met you) is that independence is not teally that important to you at all in the grand scheme of things. Far more political matters and party agendas are more important to you than the very future of Scotland and indicates why you are so ready to vote for a unionist party over a pro-independence party.

If being racist is happy to see players representing their countries of birth then I am racist.

I do not see my Northern Ireland ticket there.

Anthony Gordon's dream coming true called up for England today. Maybe this will bring an end to him being sniffed around by some Scots.

If you have played for a team and been in their squads and are 100% committed I know I'd use 'we' not 'they' and not use terminology like 'a bit of a fan' as I would like to presume he felt much more than that. It smacks of disconnection with the Scotland squad. Yes he has been out of the squad but even ex-pro internationals of long gone years talk about Scotland in the 'we' with no disconnection. They still talk as if they are fully involved.

I find the last line of the Cairney quote a bit worrying and odd.I mean 'a bit of a fan'?

Spot on. For me it is clear that Clarke has his mind made up for his midfielders and strikers. He wants to gauge Gordon''s levels for himself post-injury hence four keepers. And evidently he has not settled on the full quota of defenders yet hence why there are a large number in the squad so he can look and decide which ones go to Germany and who misses out.

A shit load of hissy fits on four goalkeepers. Does it matter? I'd say Clarke wants to have a closer look at Gordon's sharpness compared to the first team regulars. If he impresses he will go to Germany. No big deal.

I don't disagree with any of that but I want to see a marquee performance or impressive performance from Ferguson for Scotland first before I get excited and want to see him march into the side ahead of others who have already proven their worth for Scotland. For that to be given a chance to happen then Ferguson needs decent gametime in these upcoming friendlies. Maybe a start against Northern Ireland in.place of McGinn or McTominay and see how he fairs and maybe even second half V Netherlands.

I would say a good chance they may be on sale from next week in time for the double header of friendlies orbif not then the day before the Northern Ireland match.

There is no confirmation and even media sources have not speculated that McGregor is out of the Euros but seems like Paw Broon at the Butt and Ben knows so must be true.

It is a fact Trippier knows Livramento far better than board members here. He trains, plays and travels with Livramento and no doubt knows exactly what Livramento wants through his time with him.including who he wants to represent internationally.

Another one we can rule out:- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13180937/Kieran-Trippier-admits-expects-Euro-2024-tournament-England-backs-Newcastle-team-mate-Tino-Livramento-place-squad-future.html

Christie also knows the system Clarke plays inside out, has bags of experience at international level and Clarke knows he can rely on him for a performance. Ferguson is a trip into the unknown on those fronts and to go into that unknown virtually untried in a major tournament would be a massive risk.

Hmm 'chat' that has not been.picked up by any major or even minor media sources.

It is a form of national identity and show of pride in where you are from and who you support.