SkyBlueScot

Is the McKenna deal very likely then? Not heard anything for a while.

I've said this before but I'm guessing most people wouldn't call Iceland's midfield 'International class' or Northern Ireland's. In fact I'd go as far as to say I'd rather have McGregor, Armstrong, McGinn, McTominay, Cairney, Fraser and the immediate potential of McTominay and Burke. Not that I'm saying Fleck doesn't deserve to be considered. It's just that I think we don't value our midfield enough.

Can't you be interested in both or do you mean you have less faith in Hendry? Desperately need more than one coming through. Bates, Hendry and McKenna are all in that mix (along with Tierney) so I'm wishing them all well.

Sorry, not saying he isn't suitable. Just down-playing his potential a little. That said I do imagine him scoring 15+ goals (maybe many more) in the Championship which would start to put him on McLeish's radar. Who else do we have? This over-long video shows you his goals from last season: you can see how incredibly cool he is in front of goal. I'm playing him down as it was all in league 2 but that instinct in front of goal translates anywhere. Would certainly get Scotland loads of penalties 😉 I hope he does it. I really do. Prolific in the Championship and then a call up. If he had the midfield to play him in he'd score.

He was brilliant last season. Gutted to see him leave Cov but he can do it at a higher level. I can imagine him getting goals in the Championship. Not the answer to our problems but then what is?

If he was offered an opportunity at several Serie A clubs then it looks like he's made a thought through decision. Staying with a manger where there is mutual respect seems sensible when he's only been Italy a few months.

I genuinely feel very positive. All the good things that have happened to Croatia may be happening to us. The future is very bright. Ok, I'm not expecting world cup finals but I expect qualifications over the next 10 years. Middleton, Johnston, Gilmour, Morgan, McTominay, Burke are coming through across the midfield that's already fairly strong. Henderson's future looks bright and who knows about Gauld. If several of these make it then they'll be joining McGregor and Armstrong and maybe force them out. I think there's a bit too much pressure on McKenna as there's not huge number of young centre backs coming through. But if he makes it and Bates comes good we will changing our outlook. Ok, I know It's all 'what Ifs' but I'm taking a moment to think positive. (My hero's just gone into yellow on thr TdeF so i'm on a high.) And i know I've not mentioned the striker situation!

Over the past few months both these players have been getting praise on here and there seems to be a buzz about them both. Just wondered how they can be compared? Both are around the same age and both wingers. (An exciting right back would be nice though!)

Bit depressing to read that Swansea are rumoured to be lining up a £2million bid for McKenna. Just £2million? Really?

Interesting article in The Scotsman: https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/scotland/why-scotland-fans-are-wrong-to-look-to-croatia-as-a-model-to-follow-1-4767975 Basically says Croatia succeed despite having no plan or structure. However the players get first team football at an early age, come through U21s together and then have no fear leaving home. That said there has to be some luck involved when you get players if that quality at the same time. How many of England's team could play for Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juve etc? Maybe there are things to be positive about. We just have to wait a little bit longer.

Doesn't look likely this season though. Real shame.

Just glanced at the Celtic friendly update and saw this comment on Mikey Johnstone: "Johnston is on a different level The winger can breeze past players in a way few Scottish stars have in a long time" Sounds like he's on fire. Only a friendly but exciting to hear.

Ethan Hamilton has signed a new contract at Man Utd.

Definitely. I read his comments and thought it was bullshit.

How did Morgan do? Understand he came on. Feels like there's a buzz around him.

Do we need a new thread?

Would love to see that. Would be a good move for Everton too.

In sadder news Reading have signed Marc McNulty. Interesting to see how he performs in the Championship. Whilst it was only League 2 he was very impressive this season.

Article about it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44716671

Well there are a few surprising things just in that one sentence.

You are right. If he was already an EPL player it would. Not sure it's the nationality. And the Everton bid could just be a start. There was mention of Celtic holding on for more. Others will join in.

25 million bid expected from Everton. Sounds reasonable (compared to other transfers)

Not sure I should open up this debate but....Tierney. Continually being linked to a string of clubs (Everton and Spurs yesterday). Everything he's said indicates he's staying put but are there any clubs you don't think he would turn down this summer? Bournemouth and Everton don't seem enough but Atletico Madrid? Spurs? If he's as good as we all think those clubs will still be waiting next season or the one after so, what does he do?

As a Hearts fan i find it pretty disappointing (interested to hear the thoughts of others). The situation at Hearts helped force through these youngsters who are getting first team action. Not all will make it but it has to be good for Scottish football. In fact i heard somebody (U19s coach?) say that when playing the Italians their coach was shocked at how few of our lads had first team action. The number of players Levein's brought doesn't bode well.

- Liam Henderson is playing regularly in Serie A