starchief

I believe McPake is primarily a central defender these days, that can play right-back but I think he moved away from the full-back position some time ago. Indeed, I remember him also as a midfielder and striker.

Good player but he has to be better than A.Shinnie or Tansey at least. Not sure he is. With Cox returning to defensive mid duties, I think Tansey might well turn out to be one of the best players we've ever had as an attacking mid. Give him another year and he'll be the heartbeat of the team. Don't think it would do either him or ICT any good if he leaves before then.

I've been thinking that myself - Irish players that is. Not just for us though. England seems to be able to get a fair number of decent Irish players at all levels (including Hayes). An enterprising Scottish club could probably do fairly well, especially with the decline of the SPL.

Do we really need a loanee striker? Given that a loan player really has to play (otherwise he might as well just stay at the club he's not getting a game at), why bench either Tade or McKay? Obviously if we get a new Ronaldo in, then play him. But it's more likely some kid from Sheffield that will be keeping out one of our contracted players.

Not surprisingly really since: "Duff played three games for Ayr United as a trialist in September 2011. Astonishingly, this led to Duff being handed freedom of the city, as the local people were amazed by his performances both on and off the field" http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stuart_Duff&oldid=466925102

Wouldn't be surprised to see him back at 'Well. He'd also be good at Dundee Utd, the way that Daly is banging them in. Aberdeen too. Come to think of it, most teams in the SPL!

Yep, it's true about the OF controlling Scotland to it's detriment - although I don't buy deliberate referee bias, but I won't go into that. Thing is, is someone that won't pay his players (I'm sure he makes sure he's not struggling financially), protects a paedophile, continually interferes with the football management (to it's club's detriment) and tries to ruin players when they don't want to sign contracts is one of the monkeys.

100% worth a look. Wouldn't be surprised to see him go for bigger wages than we could afford (Dundee Utd, Hibs or Aberdeen). Looked a cracking player at Livi. Depends if his injury has affected him.

Cox will be his replacement. It would be nice of him to stay but it's probably our strongest area, with Cox, Tansey and A.Shinnie ready to step in, plus need to see about Tudur-Jones and Proctor coming back. If money's tight, it's Hogg that's the priority for replacement.

Nick was a stick on earlier in the season, just like G.Shinnie. Both took a dip in form and went out. Shinnie looks to be getting back and I wouldn't be surprised to see Ross back soon too. Nick's also a good player to have around in that he can play right across the midfield. Sutherland needs to stay. With Foran in the midfield now, we've only got Tade and McKay up front. If Sutherland takes his chance like last season, he could be a real power for the team. Might be an idea for Morrison to drop down the divisions to get a taste of competitive footie.

Can't see any point for him. If he starts scoring, then he's only matched what he's previously done. No advantage there. If he struggles, whatever the reason, then he's viewed as having gone backwards. He's only been there three months and played plenty of Euro matches. If I was him, I'd see out the year. See how many games over the course of the season he is playing and what the chances will be for next year. Currently, he's played more and scored more at Brum than Billy McKay has with us. I wouldn't say McKay should go out on loan. Sometimes you have to bide your time and take your chances.

For some reason, when I lived abroad, they always seemed to show Middlesborough matches. It'll go down as a Boyd failure but really it was Strachan not buying in any wingers to replace Dowling or Johnson. Robson was the most epxerienced wide player they had and he's not got the pace to be a winger anymore. Yet, when Boyd went on loan to Forest, he had a terrific strike rate. From what I can glean about Turkey, Boyd went to his new club, the day after, his boss was sacked. New manager didn't think he was up to it, so barely featured. Thing is, he's rarely looked keen. He's a lazy b*** that has scored goals wherever he's been, except Middlesborough. I wouldn't be surprised to see him ending up at Blackburn, Wigan etc. Proven goal-scorer for free? Why not, when you're heading for relegation. Might as well take the chance.

If goal difference is equal, it comes down to goal average, hence 2-1 is better.

A.Shinnie was a game-changer, so, despite only playing in the 2nd half, he gets my vote. Having a genuine defensive midfielder in Cox was a big plus too. Maybe we won't miss David then if we have a fit Cox and Jones back?

A.Shinnie was supposedly carrying a knock, so was only bench fit for Rangers, rather than being dropped. Esson Gillet - Tokely - Golobart - G.Shinnie Hayes - Cox - A.Shinnie - Foran Tade - McKay Straight 4-4-2 this time. Everyone seemed to have the energy to switch as needed.

So you still think he was poor then, I take it? I thought he was solid. Not spectacular but played a central role in the match. Grafted, tackled, created, played a captain's role and even scored (not his fault it was scrapped). He was playing the role that Edu or Papac was playing for Rangers and, I thought, his performance absolutely eclipsed them. Surprised there's any criticism of him.

Surprised you didn't mention Papac as a dud. He was anonymous. Not really his fault, given he was playing in central midfield mind you. A.Shinnie was carrying an injury apparently, hence why on the bench. Didn't think Tade was great but in the little he did play, made a real impact. Gillet had a couple of times he was out of position but then, he was out of position. Definitely deserved a draw, didn't deserve any penalties, but for inches, we could have taken a decent result. Lots to look forward to. Dunfermline gone, Inverness rising.

Esson, Tokely, Golobart, Cox and Foran all played crucial roles. Hayes, McKay and both Shinnies looked real quality. Easily matching anyone in a blue shirt.

(and yet again) Hayes and McKay looking class but A.Shinnie. Laffery with an ill-deserved winner (probably)

OOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! (again)

OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Jelavic was down and the ball should have gone out of play...from Rangers! When they won the ball, they refused to put it out. When Rangers lost it, they seemed to think ICT should have put it out. Nah, Blues. Doesn't work like that. Only the refs think you should get the advantages.

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shinnie makes all the difference.

I don't think we should have had any penalties. Rangers had a real strong spell for about 15 minutes and deserved a goal. No conspiracies or diving, just a better team. Tade totally anonymous. Hayes not in it too much but looks amazing every time he is. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes to Rangers at the end of the season.

Gillet was booked. Deservedly so. Rangers a different team this half. And not in a good way for us.