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The big thing is we don't know if he is in full training or not, he was in light training 4 weeks ago. IF he is then he'll have 3 more weeks of full training followed by a bounce game or 2 followed by minutes in 2 friendlies. That's a pretty standard phased comeback. He still will probably not be ready to start but with no negative reaction I'd expect him to feature at the euros

The squads are so big, there is a case for taking Hickey for the experience given he will be a mainstay in years to come. Even if he made 3 subs appearances, it could make the difference.

Frank said exactly what you would expect him to say. His exact words were his chances were 'not positive'. Which is pretty fair given he won't have played in over 6 months. He was in light training a month ago so can't be far from full training now. Quite right not to risk him in a n epl game but I'd expect to see him in the frendlies.

Always difficult to predict who will develop but I can't say I'm all that excited about the under-21 squad which I suppose is the immediate future. Doig and Doak are probably the only 2 close to call up. I'd say that's low compared to other countries on average. I think Conway will continue to slowly improve and become a lower EPL player on a few years.

When I bought for Europa League final we bought at the cheapest point the night before the game when they dipped about 20%. then prices went back up on the day until kick off.

Agree, Doak is one of only a few players who has the potential to get you off your seat. He hasn't done much for Liverpool but also hasn't done much wrong in the few minutes he has played. More often hooked when he hasn't seen much of the ball. I'd place significant faith in Klopp's judgement to elevate him to first team at such a young age, in advance of the host of other talented youngsters who have since broken through. I think this and Robertson's insight of his ability might be enough for him to make the squad despite his lay-off.

Hickey will be in the same boat with regards to match fitness. I accept that Doak has very little first team experience at any level but if fit I'd probably take him. Realistically he would get 10 minute sub appearances here and there at most and the match fitness is less of an issue for such cameos imo, especially in attacking positions. Don't get me wrong, with 26 man squads I'd take Hickey too but starting games in wing back position after such a lay off is a more of a risk. Doak would benefit from the experience even if he doesn't play. He's our best u21 player.

Given the time Stewart has been out and the limited minutes he's had for Scotland thus far he would need to show something pretty special in the remaining 3/4 games of the season to warrant selection. Pretty doubtful given these will be substitute appearances at best. Don't get me wrong, I like him as a player but it's unrealistic to expect him to be at anything like his best form. Hickey is the same but given our lack of alternative options, his quality, ang age, its more likely we'll take a gamble on him. To expect him to be anything like his best is crazy. Similarly unless he shows up really well in the friendlies, he won't start.

I've not seen anything confirming Patterson has had the op or recovery timescale. Which is strange as there numerous quotes confirming he needed an op. Could he be waiting it out in the hope it's not required?

Even at his best he was frustratingly inconsistent and often lacked end product. I can't imagine he has started more than 15 games over the last 2 seasons which will never help someone who relies on speed and sharpness.

Back 5 versus a lone striker and 2 wide men is difficult as your 3 central defenders tend to get drawn out or you end up with 3v1 and your wing backs get pushed back by their wingers - which means you get outnumbered in midfield - as per Ukraine play-off.There is a reason 90% of club sides play a back 4. Its because 90% of club sides play a lone striker and 2 wide men.

Agree, the two friendlies were the ideal opportunity. I think he provides more legs and tackling than magregor and gilmour who seem to to be too similar to be effective together. Obviously offers something going forwards too.

Friendly v Poland

Sorry, thought you meant the home point.

Under what circumstances did people not get a point? Not using the ticket or transferring it to a different phone?

Hickey will make the squad if he doesnt have another set back which would def rule him out. 2 months of building up fitness will allow him to play some part but he will be nowhere near his best and certainly not ready for 90 mins imo. Brentford certainly won't risk playing him before the end of the season. Patterson fitness will be key.

Tbf it looked like he'd done his hamstring in the build up to the goal.

I can understand the debate given he has been u21's most dangerous player. Coupled with a complete lack of pace in our senior squad. Ideally see him do it at club level first but wouldn't be the first time someone of that experience made a senior squad. The return from injury schedule is the biggest negative, otherwise I'd have him in.

Did not know this.

Reverse, reverse, reverse.......

I'm not so sure. Dykes and Adams have proved they can start on their own in competitive games at that level, Shankland hasn't. I expect to see him late in games when we need a goal. I've no issue with that as squads are big enough to accommodate such players

Dykes/mcburnie comparison was based on similar style of play, i doubt he'll take both. Shankland a different kind of striker and whilst I'd take him I don't think he's doen enough to be guaranteed.

I think we have got the best out of dykes and he may still have a bit more to offer but not long term. Mcburnie is out of contract and like it or not will get paid £30-40k next season by a lower EPL or upper championship side. If dykes was out of contract he'd get £10-£15k if he was lucky in the championship. Selection is about far more than the quality of the players but those valuations are the best reflection of quality.

It's a sign of how far Adams and dykes have regressed that mcburnie probably can't be ignored atm. He is probably at where dykes was when in form for club and country and being touted for an epl move. And that is about as good as we've got. For me, shankland doesn't gave the fitness/mobility to start up top on his own. I wouldn't be averse to playing ferguson or mcT up top as an experiment.

The anniversary shirt is good but not perfect, the sleeves look a bit cheaper and the badge is quite different, smaller. Doesn't look fake, just different.