[Scottish players in action 19/20]

6 minutes ago, gonzohiggy said:

Could potentially be the best of our wingers 

Agree, very happy to see him back tonight. He just has so much quality on the ball, and for someone so young and just starting his career he impressively seems to make the right decisions in the final 3rd more often than not. He also has that little bit of a gallus streak in him which Scottish wingers of the past were famous for. Hope he can stay injury free now and get a good run in Celtics team. If he is fit and on form he would be a wildcard pick for me in the playoffs

[Fraser/Forrest/Christie: Which one would you drop?]

They are all good players on their day tbh but unfortunately Forrests good days for Scotland are few and far between and Fraser and Christie give us a fine balance on both sides as inside forwards to allow Robertson and Palmer to go forward and provide our width. This seems to be how Clarke wants to play and Fraser definitely suits Robertsons game more on that side, he is also probably our most creative player, providing a good few assists for us in qualifying so Fraser and Christie for me either side of McGinn

[Play off tickets]

3 minutes ago, sbcmfc said:

Would be a good thing to ask for as a Christmas present, for kids (presuming they get some sort of kids welcome pack) or adults that often don’t really want or need anything.

Id probably just say to my wife to pay my SSC membership rather than buy me socks for Christmas if it came out now...

That's a dear pair of socks mate... Lol

[Scottish players in action 19/20]

43 minutes ago, PASTA Mick said:

I think that we probably do have a stronger midfield than Norway.  You also missed out Mohamed Elyounoussi, who is a cracking player.

It their attack v our defence which worries me the most.  King and Haland will terrorise them.  

 

Okay but what is their defence like? Is Ajaer the best they have got? He is a good player but not a great player. Our Attackers are capable of causing them problems too. We should just go for the jugular against them... If it is them, and if we make it to the final... Lol one step at a time

[Scottish players in action 19/20]

11 minutes ago, ParisInAKilt said:

Not very high quality as was originally suggested. Think McTominay has the potential to compete at a higher level but not sure about McGinn and definitely not for Fleck. Being average EPL midfielders is fine but it’s not the level below the highest quality. 

You are all over the shop here mate.  My question was in relation to what quality of Midfielders you are comparing them against? In my eyes the only level higher than EPL is Champions League, and I mean the top clubs in the Champions League who reach knockout stages regularly. Liverpool are the Champions League winners, Spurs runners up, Fleck and McGinn were outstanding against these clubs. These guys are quite clearly playing above average this season for their clubs. They are 3 of the best performing Midfielders in the league and competing and performing against the highest quality of Midfielders there is. 

[Scottish players in action 19/20]

1 hour ago, ParisInAKilt said:

Still doesn’t make them midfielders of the highest quality though does it? Not at this stage of their careers anyway. 

How high a quality of Midfielder are we talking here exactly? If you are talking the very highest as in the best the Champions League has to offer then no they re not of that quality just yet. They are the level below that though, they have the quality to compete with the best Midfielders in the game, as they are proving this season, and have proved certainly in McTominay’s case before. 

[Scottish players in action 19/20]

1 hour ago, ParisInAKilt said:

The lower half of the EPL for half a season isn’t the highest level 

Man Utd and Sheffield Utd are in the top half of the Premier League so you aren't even nearly correct there. Anyway it is completely irrelevant where their respective clubs are positioned. McGinn, Fleck and McTominay have all put in fantastic individual performances, of the highest quality, against some of the best teams there is in the Premier League. There is no denying that

[Scottish players in action 19/20]

2 minutes ago, ParisInAKilt said:

We don’t have any very high quality midfielders 

Very high quality would be putting in quality performances at the highest level... So we have 3 Midfielders currently doing this in the EPL

[Balance]

I recall watching McTominay very much switched on defensively against PSG and Barcelona. The boy can do it all tbh and us the epitome of a born leader. Maybe Jack and McTominay could be the option over McGregor, I think McTominay if fit should be the first name in our Midfield though

[Balance]

13 hours ago, Bino's said:

As said

France 98

Lambert (holder)

Collins (ball player)

Burley ( runner)

We have that now

Jack (holder)

McGregor (ball player)

McGinn ( runner)

Why Jack though? He doesn't play the holding role for Rangers. McTominay is a far better player

[Scottish players in action 19/20]

56 minutes ago, PASTA Mick said:

If McGregor is fit, he will start.  He started all 14 games in the Nations League and qualifiers.  I don't think any other player featured in all 14 matches.

There is a reason he never gets left out for Scotland or Celtic and that is because he is a very good player.  

Not bringing McGregor into the team probably cost WGS his job.

How good is McGregor do you think? I'm not a Celtic fan so can't comment on his performances week in week out. What I have seen though I think he is a good player, but can also do more. A year and a half ago he was absolutely brilliant from what I seen, but he seems to have stagnated a little of late. Against Kazakhstan I was sat watching and thinking what is McCregor actually bringing to the team, he was playing everything safe, little passes no real movement from him, no drive, he is capable of so much more. But then he almost grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck second half. He drove the team forward and looked to get the ball and create things. It reminded me of Barry Ferguson, and I think he is capable of taking responsibility and grabbing games by the scruff of the neck more often. Can he do it at the highest level though, celtic fans may know better than myself. 

[Scottish players in action 19/20]

2 hours ago, AndyDD said:

I'd like to see how a combo of Fleck and McTominay would work but given injuries and suspensions have meant it has been pretty much impossible to test out in the campaign thus far, it would be a risky move to give an untested pairing in the centre their first run out in a must win game. 

I think both Fleck and McTominay are better players than Mcgregor and Jack, but the two old firm players looked like they had played together several times rather than against each other and demonstrated a real understanding. They worked as a pair, probably better than any of the pairings we have had thus far (albeit the Mcgregor/Mclean/McTominay combo in Brussles held up okay). That might well be enough to prevent technically superior players replacing them. If we were to stick Fleck and McTominay together in the midfield and they play like strangers, we will be in big trouble and Clarke will look like a fool. 

Come March who knows who will be in form and match fit; the decision could make itself in that regard. McTominay would almost certainly have started one or both of the games had he been fit as he was in form and has featured regularly, afterall. But he didn't because he wasn't, and we may have landed on a duo that worked. We're all out of prep games now so we need to be clever and careful.

I am not completely buying how well the McGregor Jack combo worked in Midfield, they done OK, nothing more. Again the papers in Scotland seem to have bummed them up as the first choice pairing now after half decent performances against Cyprus and Kazakhstan. Even at that, on numerous occasions I watched them both almost play in the same spaces especially defensively. There were a good few times when Jack and McGregor were almost holding hands in Midfield, a good team would have exploited these gaps they left. I don't want to completely diss them as they did do ok, I just don't think they were that good that they are guaranteed starters for the next games, especially when we have better players that could come in 

[Scottish players in action 19/20]

3 hours ago, JECK said:

Yep been a big fan of fleck ever since his Scotland/rangers youth days when he looked like he was going to be a superstar. Don't really know how it's taken him to the age of 28 to play at the top level after years of pissing about in English league 1 etc. That pass for the 2nd goal was immense. Was also a stand out v Liverpool a few weeks back. 

Out midfield options are a joke, I'm prepared to say better than England's.

I'd agree our EPL Midfielders especially are proving themselves fantastic operator's at the highest level. It is just about finding the right balance in their for us and those 3 Fleck, McTominay and McGinn would give us the best balance and most quality in my opinion

[Scottish players in action 19/20]

3 hours ago, mccaughey85 said:

I agree with what you are saying there, I would be happy with fleck in the midfield ahead of jack. He's a excellent talent, it's just a shame that hes 28 and not 23 as he took a long time to get his career going.

At 28 though he is hitting his peak at exactly the right moment for us! We need players playing at the top of their game right now. We have younger guys who are are top talents but Fleck has that experience now as well as the talent. He is also a captain and leader at his club. A real fantastic player, now playing at the highest level I honestly don't know why more isn't being made of his performances this season. Right now I don't think Ryan Jack or Calum McGregor could put in a performance like the ones I have watched John Fleck put in against Liverpool and Man Utd. It was top drawer.

[Scottish players in action 19/20]

Why are the performances of John Fleck this season not being held in higher esteem by media and fans right now! The Scottish papers never stop stroking it for Ryan Jack or Calum McGregor, and by all accounts they have performed well in recent times, but John Fleck has been nothing short of outstanding in the Premier League this season. He typifies everything you could wish for in a Midfield player he is tenacious, can tackle, can press, can dictate the play can link the play, can go box to box or sit, his passing is spot on! He is playing brilliantly in one of, if not the best league in the world, but our papers still harp on about boys playing well against Livingston and St Mirren. Honestly cringey to read the Scottish media push certain players ahead of others, and even cringier to watch and listen to some fans jump on the bandwagon as if these guys are actually something because they play for the Old Firm. Until any of them move on and do what the likes of John Fleck is doing, week in week out they have proved nothing. John Fleck should be in the team, beside Scott McTominay and John McGinn. That is a class well balanced midfield that could take on the best in the EPL so without doubt should be our starting midfield until such times as others prove themselves at the same level. 

[Scottish players in action 19/20]

16 minutes ago, gonzohiggy said:

Well I'd argue to compete with better teams we might need to alter shape completely but I'm not talking about competing with better teams at the minute.

Im talking with a poster who wants to play a midfield 3 of Cairney, mctominay and mcginn which is unbalanced whether against Israel or Belgium. 

It certainly does appear unbalanced! Cairney a decent player but well down the list at the minute. Our Midfield generally goes like this.. Attacking Number 10 position McGinn or Armstrong, Holding position McTominay or Jack, Deep Lying creative position McGregor, Fleck, McLean suppose Cairney could be added to the list of number 10s we already have but don't see him getting in ahead of the two in front of him although he is a slightly more creative type

[Well said Broony.]

So let me get this right.... If this group of players get us to a major finals, some people on here want us to then replace half of them with players who FAILED to get us to a major finals! It absolutely beggars belief! What have some of you rockets been taking! 

[Your Ideal Team For The Playoffs?]

4 minutes ago, ElChris04 said:

I would be dropping Fraser on the grounds Forrest hasn’t warranted anything to be dropped. If Forrest was a rangers or any other player I would be saying the same thing with his commitment to Scotland. Saying I have a bias on the fact as I said previously our Majority of our best players are current or ex Celtic players is completely unfair. 
 

And like I said, if Fraser has spoken out on why he missed the 2 games there and I have missed the interview then good stuff, why on earth would I not want one of our best players in the 23 man squad? Just doesn’t make sense, we need absolutely everything for a best chance of qualifying. 

Am I not right in saying Forrest hasn't registered a goal or an assist since the Nations League? 

[Your Ideal Team For The Playoffs?]

1 minute ago, ElChris04 said:

Re read what I said with Forrest the first time giving you’ve chose to ignore it. 
 

If you could please link, it would be appreciated giving all I seen was articles of him saying he was “unhappy” at bournemouth. If he has spoken out on why he missed the games then I’ll retract what he said.

ahh that old chestnut, because I support Celtic I’m biased on what they say, sorry that majority of our best players are current or ex celtic players, maybe if more Scottish clubs started developing more scottish youth it would probably help... and finally I was firmly on questioning tierney on his commitment until he spoke out.. but whatever floats your boat.

You are 100 percent showing bias towards ex celtic players especially. Putting Tierney in your team but omitting Fraser on the grounds he pulled out a squad.. Sorry that just completely contradicts things. It does seem like green tinted specs when it comes to Tierney. Tierney has to have the worst records in recent times for pulling out of squads although he has had a bad time of it with injuries. 

Btw I also do believe and understand Tierneys reasoning for pulling out, and if it means he'll make the play off by pulling out the last squad I'm happy with that but same goes for Fraser.. 

[Central defence question.]

That sounds promising, I've always thought Souttar could be the best of the centre backs coming through but he seems to have stalled, in no small part due to injuries unfortunately. You mentioned Hickey there, how good is this boy? 

[Your Ideal Team For The Playoffs?]

2 hours ago, ceudmilefailte said:

I think if you check out % Call offs Fraser would win by a mile

Check it then and give us some facts before just posting things that you 'think are correct. I know for a fact Fraser has been more productive in a shorter spell with the national team. I also know for a fact he is performing and excelling at a far higher level. I also know for a fact he has also only made himself unavailable for one match on a plastic pitch in Kazakhstan the reasons for which he explained, he played against San Marino a few days later. He has only pulled out of one squad altogether for a competitive game, the most recent double header, through injury. 

Fraser isn't a sick note. This has only grown arms and legs because he refused to play on a plastic pitch in Kazakhstan. Whether you agree with that or not is irrelevant, it is one game. And doesn't take away from what he has contributed in other games he has played for us, which going by the stats is a lot for a poor team. 

Also if anyone is digging up anymore stats I would be very interested to know how many squads Fraser has been involved in but not even stripped, going back to Strachans time. He has had a raw deal at times when it comes to minutes on the pitch for us when he has been in squads. He is a quality player and especially during Strachan time he was far too slow to involve him in our team

[Central defence question.]

Just now, hannibal smith said:

Certainly a far better defender than Halkett and sadly now Berra. 

Supposedly back in January after yet another setback. 

That is surprising as Halkett seems to have been held up in very high regard by a lot on here that he is actually Hearts best defender. Do you think Souttar can cut it at a higher level then? 

[Your Ideal Team For The Playoffs?]

6 minutes ago, ElChris04 said:

 Forrest scores in Europe against top teams, he’s also done more in a Scotland jersey than Fraser ever has. But both are quality players anyway. 
 

moving on, McGregor left on a high retiring after putting in a fine performance Against Israel. He called it a day to focus on fitness for his club. The difference between him and Fraser is simply down to one ending on a high and not coming up with some injury nonsense. Speaks volumes Ryan Fraser has yet to to clarify anything with his injury while others such as Tierney and Robertson have to the press or in interviews why they are absent and the reason behind it. 

What exactly does Fraser have to clarify... He is injured end of. 

And really! You think Forrst has done more in a Scotland Jersey than Fraser ever has??.. Well here are the stats for both their career's in competitive action for Scotland.... 

Fraser - 8 games, 1 goal, 7 assists

Forrest - 26 games, 5 goals, 2 assists

Fraser made his debut in 2017

Forrset made his debut in 2011

Forrest didn't score his first goals until 2018 against Albania in the nations league

Fraser has also been available for every competitive match he has been selected for bar Kazakhstan away and the recent double header

 

[Central defence question.]

I personally just have the feeling that every one of our centre halves are currently the same standard apart from Cooper who appears to be slightly above McKenna and Gallagher as he is by all accounts the best performing centre back in the English Championship. As a player though Tierney is then another level above Cooper, and could probably slot in to centre half quite easily as he has proved before. I just get the feeling that although Gallagher and McKenna played ok against Cyprus and the Kazakhs we are now moving up another level again in the play offs and I'm not sure Gallagher and McKenna can step up another level. 

[Central defence question.]

What about Souttar? When is he back, and how good actually is he, or can he become? Any Jambos on here rate him...