Help Sitemap Home Skip Navigation Contact Us Disability Statement

 
 
Monday, 12th May 2008

Evening News / Sony Centre Reverse Auction

Premium Article !

Your account has been frozen. For your available options click the below button.

Options

Premium Article !

To read this article in full you must have registered and have a Premium Content Subscription with the The Scotsman site.

Subscribe

Registered Article !

To read this article in full you must be registered with the site.

Sign In
Register

McCoist expects Scotland absentees to return for Old Firm encounter



Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image

Published Date: 27 March 2008
By Angus Wright
ALLY McCoist, Walter Smith's assistant at Rangers, is hopeful that the four Ibrox players who withdrew from the Scotland squad ahead of last night's friendly international against Croatia will be fit for Saturday's Old Firm match.
National team captain Barry Ferguson and his Rangers team-mates Allan McGregor, Christian Dailly and Lee McCulloch all pulled out of the Hampden clash on Monday because of injury. Scotland manager George Burley confirmed that his medical staff had ex
amined the players and said he expects "quite a number" of the absentees to still be sidelined when Rangers meet Celtic at Ibrox this weekend.

McCoist last night insisted the quartet have been struggling with fitness, but he heightened suspicions the players have one eye on the Old Firm fixture when he revealed the "majority of them" could play at Ibrox on Saturday.

"We have got injury problems, it's a fact," said the Rangers assistant manager. "Barry has been to see a specialist last week and, thankfully, doesn't need an operation. But he has been short of 100 per cent fit for some time. Lee McCulloch is the same, he's had a thigh strain for a couple of weeks. Christian Dailly has a fracture in his wee toe, or one of his wee toes. And Allan McGregor has a little bit of puffiness around his knee.

"We'll monitor their progress, but I'd be hopeful the majority of them will be involved at the weekend. But it's clear to see that they have been struggling a little bit with injury."

McCoist also played down suggestions Saturday lunchtime's encounter is an SPL decider. Rangers are three points ahead of Celtic and have a game in hand on their Glasgow rivals, but the former Scotland striker expects the title race to go to the wire.

"I'm looking forward to it," McCoist added. "This game's been a long time coming and it's a massive match for us. If we win, we won't necessarily win the league, and, if we lose, we won't necessarily lose it.

"But it will go a long way to deciding where the title ends up, there's no doubt about that. It will be very difficult, anyway. The atmosphere will be terrific and I hope we can give the fans something to cheer about. As a coach, you still get the same excitement as when you're a player, it's just that you can't do as much about it."





The full article contains 412 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 26 March 2008 11:07 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Rangers FC
 
1

Backofthenet,

27/03/2008 00:16:21
The injuries are indeed genuine. Anyone who has been paying attention will know that Ferguson and McCulloch have been struggling for fitness for some time, for example. A few more days might help them.
2

Patrick O'Shaunnessy,

27/03/2008 00:25:47
This is typical minty choreography, but noone outside Ibrox is buying this load of old codswallop.

And if there is no reaction from Burley after all 4 start on Saturday, Celtic should review their policy for making players available for international "duty".

Burley has probably cheesed Strachan right off for keeping Hartley on the park for 90 minutes, and although I like him, if he intends to say nothing should all 4 play, then frankly as far as I am concerned, he can whistle the next time he wants to call out any Celtic players.

As long as we get a reaction ( after the miraculous recoveries ) from Burley which clearly demonstrates that he isn't buying Rangers' story, honour will be satisfied so far as I am concerned...but if he intends to keep quiet, say nothing, then you'll have had your chips George...so far as Celtic are concerned.
3

Backofthenet,

27/03/2008 00:30:27
Do you reckon Burley might be in on some "minty" conspiracy then? And what position do you hold at Celtic FC, that you can decide what they do with their players?
4

Patrick O'Shaunnessy,

27/03/2008 00:35:27
3

As I said, if you hadn't leapt to the conspiracy theory that Rangers fans are want to do, I like Burley.

But he has to be strong and call a spade a spade.

If he is going to let Rangers walk all over him any time it suits them to do so, then SO FAR AS I AM CONCERNED ( duhh ) he can whistle the next time he wants to call out any Celtic players.
5

Backofthenet,

27/03/2008 00:42:31
#4,

Calm down mate. International call-offs are ten a penny. Wales had eleven last night, Celtic withdrew their players from Scotland's games in the Kirin Cup to play in testimonials in England....
6

,

27/03/2008 00:43:17
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
7

Patrick O'Shaunnessy,

27/03/2008 00:51:54
6

Dougal wasn't outwitted by Celtic's lawyers at all.

He sat fidgeting in the witness box as he was asked repeatedly to explain why he had sent Strachan off.

He muttered and bumbled and I'm told stared at the floor until eventually the Independant Tribunal decided they had heard enough and threw the whole case out.

Dougal had had months to get his story right for what should have been an easy question.

The outcome of the appeal had nothing to do with fancy lawyer talk and everything to do with Dougal's inability to provide the tribunal with a coherent answer to a very simple question.

It severely damaged Dougal's reputation ...it's like a police officer going into the witness box and when asked why he arrested someone , replying : Hmmm...dunno.
8

Another King of Spain,

sensing the fear of the hoops 27/03/2008 00:52:50
6# paranoia is pervasive... I really do sense the fear of the hoops
9

Another King of Spain,

27/03/2008 00:54:07
7# He probably didn't say anything because he knew he wouldn't get insurance for his windows.
10

Another King of Spain,

sensing the fear of the hoops 27/03/2008 00:55:23
4# Burley couldn't call on mctraitor even if he wanted to.
11

Patrick 162,

27/03/2008 01:00:44
Two and a half days and the paranoia is kicking in already. Never mind the facts that all the players were carrying injuries, or that Celtic previously pulled Scotland players out of a squad for their own friendly. Just keep spouting your bile.

No doubt there'll be more as Strachan's goal-less, point-less run against Walter is continued in emphatic style. Thankfully, for Stuart Dougal, at Ibrox he is highly unlikely to be attacked by invading Celtic fans or the coins they save up to throw on these special occasions.

You have to pity the poor souls in the middle at the return matches at Parkhead. Either of those could clinch it and double glazing would be an unwise investment for them at this juncture. They may sing up for a stint in Baghdad or Helmand Province to escape the danger zone known as Dead Man's Alley, in refereeing parlance.

Good luck, brave fellows.
12

Patrick O'Shaunnessy,

27/03/2008 01:01:06
9

God you are thick.

Obviously his inability to explain himself would attract greater hostility than a coherent explanation.

Think things through logically before you post ...mind you that's not easily done when you have a mind diseased with hatred.
13

bring them on,

27/03/2008 01:02:24
Good to know the boys are on the way back to full recovery.
14

canamalar,

manchester 27/03/2008 01:02:36
No surprises here then eh, the scottish team doctor was mad walts doctor during his first reign at ibrox, so its to be expected for him to say what he is told.
What confuses me is the usual diatribe about where in Ireland is glasgow is launched at McGeady, when its quite clear from the actions of their present and previous managers that they have no loyalty to the scottish cause, both managers walked away from the country in a more blatant fashion than McGeady yet they escape criticism as long as McGeady can be made a scapegoat, and mad walt has such little respect for the country that he tells his players they dont even have the choice to play. Burley is just another lackey to their cause, had this been the other way round, this rag and all its tabloid bretheren would have launched into a frenzy of patriotic drivel questioning celtics scottish credentials. Well to those of you who are not rangers supporters, you can see the celtic's commitment to the scottish team can you honestly say the same for "the second biggest institution in scotland" I think not.
15

Backofthenet,

27/03/2008 01:05:58
"both managers walked away from the country in a more blatant fashion than McGeady" (#14)

How do you work that out? Both managers served their country in more than one capacity. McGeady walked away completely.

And you reckon the Scotland doctor and George Burley are both in on the conspiracy, do you? :0)
16

scotsman,

mel 27/03/2008 01:16:20
# can't agree more. Mcgeady gets pelters from all and yet here we have 4 players from the so called establishment club turning their backs on the national squad. You are correct, if this was the other way round then it would be on for young and old. Surely this will be looked upon as a massive ( another) kick in the teeth from the mighty rangers f.c. to s.f.a.
17

scotsman,

mel 27/03/2008 01:16:22
# can't agree more. Mcgeady gets pelters from all and yet here we have 4 players from the so called establishment club turning their backs on the national squad. You are correct, if this was the other way round then it would be on for young and old. Surely this will be looked upon as a massive ( another) kick in the teeth from the mighty rangers f.c. to s.f.a.
18

canamalar,

27/03/2008 01:20:01
15
both managers served their country, mad walt walked away mid campaign and red eck jumped at the first sign of the money, thats not serving anything but themselves, neither gave up anything to take up the job, but both ditched the job at the first offer. McGeady made his mind up as a child who he wanted to play for and never indicated otherwise, whereas both your hero's took on the job with great pride and drivel about it being their hearts desire to be honoured with the post. Nothing more than self-serving self-interested sad little men with no "dignity".
19

Patrick O'Shaunnessy,

27/03/2008 01:22:02
All the headlines over the last few days have roared about Burley confirming his acceptance that the injuries of the Ibrox 4 appear to be genuine.

BUT, he did qualify his remarks, although his qualification has barely had a bat-squeak of publicity.

Burley has said that he expects that 'many' of the 4 will not play on Saturday.

As we all know, the Ibrox 4 will start.

So let's see if , come the Monday morning headlines, George is a man or a mouse.
Is he going to suffer in silence, or will he come out and fire a few warning shots across Sir Minty's bows?

Time will tell, but if he bottles it and says nothing, he shouldn't expect a great deal of cooperation from Celtic or indeed any other club in future.

Be a man George.
20

The Borgia,s PR. Company,

Govan 27/03/2008 01:33:19
I think most Rangers supporters are Scottish and are of Scottish decent throughout the world and support the national team but i am sure all of us think Rangers are more important and winning our games are more important than the national team especially when they are playing a meaningless friendly which frankly should have been arranged not to coincide with the business end of the season.Mcdonald was withdrawn from a world cup qualifier and as i undestand it that rules him out of the next club game fit or not so lets hear it for that topic.
21

canamalar,

27/03/2008 01:39:48
15
As for conspiracy theories, why not, the silence from the press over mad walts physical attack on the fourth official during the game against hibs, and his complete lack of respect for the scottish post and fans was and is deafening. The fact that the scottish press sat silent on the bigotry issue for over 100 years and continue to try and muddy the issue.
The lack of investigative journalism into anything Murry decrees about his moonbeams and the state of his finances, only in this bigoted little country could this happen.
You tell me if not conspiracy, how would you describe it?
22

Patrick O'Shaunnessy,

27/03/2008 01:40:09
20

The trouble is, if every club took Rangers' approach, then the national team will just become a laughing stock.

And if Burley does nothing ( after all 4 miraculous recoveries ), then he can't take any action against any other clubs in future.

Burley will have to do something. If he lets Rangers walk all over him, his international career will be over before a competative ball is kicked.
23

canamalar,

27/03/2008 01:53:00
29
I fully expect McDonald to be banned for the game, but thats a decision for the Australians to make, I can only hope they dont.
Agreed the SFA could have timed it better, but they didnt and thats that, I used to think the pinacle of any players career was to play for his country therefore meaningless internationals, are only meaningless to those who really dont care about their country's team. But then we should expect no more from the quintisentially brittish club, until they decide to play the I'm more scottish than you hypocracy card. What other "scottish" fans boo scottish players because of their religon or domestic team.
24

canamalar,

27/03/2008 01:54:41
should of course read 20
25

Fayneant,

NZ 27/03/2008 02:16:36
I bet this thread is shut down within an hour...
26

Skunk-gers,

No-one likes them, they don't care! 27/03/2008 02:21:19
Of course they will be back. They are all liars and hypocrits. The surprise is that nyone is surprised.

Similarly, the season will be extended because that is the sordid nature of Scottish football. The team that asked for a postponement so that they could get gubbed by Lyon are now the team that want an extension and they will get one.

This is why when celtic win championships and cups it is an achievement, but when the half and halfers (as the BBC so rightly called them) win anything it is tainted and tarnished.

Rangers FC, Scotlands Shame!
27

,

27/03/2008 03:45:54
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
28

FooFoo,

27/03/2008 03:47:40
I am a Rangers and Scotland fan and I would like to distance myself from the comments of #20. I would always put Scotland ahead of Rangers and I would like to think that most Rangers fans would.

That said I think most of what has been written regarding the withdrawal of Rangers players from the Scotland match has been over the top. It is well documented that Ferguson has been carrying an injury for months which he can play through with painkillers, but is there really any point in doing so for a friendly match which, in all honesty, means very little with regard to our preparation for the qualification campaign? Likewise, McCulloch has been in and out of the squad in recent weeks with injury. I've no doubt that Dailly could have played with a broken toe, and also McGregor with his knee, but again why risk further injury which could keep them out for months when a full week without matches could see them fit again and ready for the various upcoming club/international matches.

Added to that, it is likely that only Ferguson would have had a big part to play in the match, so Scotland haven't really lost out with these withdrawals and may even have gained in trying out new combinations.

Interestingly, not a lot has been made of Scott McDonald's withdrawal from the Australian squad (for a competitive match), although I have no doubt that his too is a genuine injury which may clear up given a week of rest. Same for Barry Robson.

I really don't know why everyone has to make a mountain out of a molehill for this type of thing, it has gone on for years and will continue to do so. There is no conspiracy.
29

Fayneant,

NZ 27/03/2008 03:50:15
28 - FooFoo, well said. That was good enough to be the final word on this subject, but I doubt very much that it will be.
30

Satan's Little Helper,

27/03/2008 03:51:19
#6

"By the way you can get odds on rangers getting a penalty on Saturday, I will be putting my wages on that one."

You have a job????
31

wetcoast,

27/03/2008 05:29:53
# 30 I was saving that one until after Saturday. All of the posts demeaning Smith and McLeish should look at where they took us in the World rankings, from an also ran to where we are today at # 12 I think or very close too it.
32

Scotcelt,

Sheffield 27/03/2008 07:48:16
Well played, Scotland. The usual brave performance! As for all this other nonsense about which OF club is more Scottish, pack it in & get on with something useful. Every player (from ANY club) who pulls on the national shirt does so proudly & gives it his all. This is the one opportunity we all have to forget our petty differences & stand together in a common cause as fellow Scots. What a pity the albeit minority of embarrassing loudmouths just don't get it. Or refuse to do it...... Come on, Scotland!
33

Blou,

http://ifyouknowtheirhistory.blogspot.com/ 27/03/2008 08:40:08
The fear of the celtc fans is utterly tangible. Once they get pumped on Saturday I expect a busy time for Strathclyde police and the hard pressed NHS as per usual.

You have to hope that the ref doesn't make an honest mistake as his glazing and family will be in mortal danger.

The bhitterness, rhecrimination and pharanoia will be so spectacular you'll be able to see it from space.
34

,

27/03/2008 08:56:15
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
35

The Diamond,

Glasgow 27/03/2008 09:04:06
#34

Worry about your own national team and leave Scotland alone.
36

DublinHibs,

27/03/2008 09:08:24
35

i am scottish ya bam!
37

Blou,

27/03/2008 09:11:05
Gubbedlin Hibs. wheesht man. If last night was a world cup qualifier and Saturday was a Rangers friendly the players would have risked further aggravating their injuries for Scotland. It wasn't and it's not. Deal with it.
38

surfboard don,

27/03/2008 09:11:56
The bitterness, rhecrimination and pharanoia, we will get from celtic this week, damaged cars, refs getting attacked, huw dose this come across for the best fans in scotland. aww we will keep the worst to when rangers win the league at perkhead.
39

The Diamond,

Glasgow 27/03/2008 09:14:07
Believe me #36......you are not a Scot.

End of.
40

imch,

27/03/2008 09:14:07
So some Rangers and Celtic players were concentrating on Saturday's OF fixture rather than a friendly international, well a big whoopdeedoo.

I salute Nakamura, Robson, McDonald, Ferguson, McCulloch, Dailly and McGregor. You guys have your priorities absoluely spot on.

Winning this game could be the difference between CL football and £15m and no European football, therefore anyone with the slightest hint of brain activity could see that the decision was a correct one.

To those of you getting all red faced and grrrrr about this, can't you see you are being manipulated by the crass Scottish media hacks. The Scotsman has had god knows how many lazy column inches from this issue and various Radio football phone in's have filled the airwaves with hours of drivel on this rather tiresome subject. Rather than being forced to get out of the boozer and do some real work, lazy hacks are now able to rehash the same story for four or five days, however if we stop responding to it, then they will have to stop writing and talking about it. Therefore c'mon people of Scotland take a stand against lazy journalists and Shut the (expletive deleted) up.
41

DublinHibs,

27/03/2008 09:15:42
37.

HULLABLOU

Club V country debate was at the forefront when smith was manager for Scotland, short memory the man has, all players fit and ready to play.....

any call offs from the england squad last night? in the big league that you boys want to be part of too.... a sad day when you don't want to play for your country.....

they should be rested permanantley and never pull on a scotland jersey again....a disgrace
42

imch,

27/03/2008 09:16:20
No. 36, in fairness it wasn't easy to decipher this from your chosen name.....

BTW - are you Irvine Welsh? he is a Dublin based hivee, I mean hibee....
43

DublinHibs,

27/03/2008 09:18:49
I am not a Scot, because i work in Dublin....dear oh dear so sad confused little buckfast swiller.....

I my little barras shopping, unwashed, disgrace am most certainly scottish, and very patriotic towards SCOTLAND and only SCOTLAND, not britain.....so move along small boy you have some shoes to shine down sauchiehall street
44

DublinHibs,

27/03/2008 09:20:46
42

very good.....loved your work there, remember we are from the capital.....THE CAPITAL, small boy, now hurry up todays giro day in Govan you'll have some cheap ktonic wine to buy today, and then maybe you can take yer maw furra a wee wander round LIDL
45

JPF,

27/03/2008 09:21:25
On a totally unrelated matter, the Scotland doctor who examined the players, was also the Rangers doctor for the majority of Walter Smith's previous tenure.

Draw your own conclusions.
46

imch,

27/03/2008 09:36:57
No. 44 whoa whoa whoa whoa.

Firstly, I live and work in Edinburgh. As surprising as it may seem you don't have to live on the doorstep of the stadium to support the team, there can be many reasons. You may love the way they play football, a la Arsene's Arsenal, or, you may have grown up when a particular team are successful, which can be the only explanation for 7 and 8 year olds in Celtic tops. In my case it was more a matter of self preservation, I had a very fervent grandfather and father who made my mind up for me, not that I regret my decision for a second. Not only did it save me from a fraternal beating, but I also happen to support the most glorious and successful, by trophy count at least, football team in the world.

Secondly, I am loaded, so no need to cash a giro.

Third, LIDL do excellent fresh fruit and veg, see they have a policy of not restocking with unsold produce, at least that was what Nick Nairn told me, note the subtle name drop there as if to validate statement No. 2.

Therefore, surely all those comments are more applicable to a Leith FC fan than myself. I can only finish with the following bon motte,

"I am rubber and you are glue, whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you"

Oscar Wilde could not have put it any better, therefore I win, you lose and thus it shall always be remembered .
47

Gerry M,

27/03/2008 09:40:31
I understand from sources close to me that the "Rangers 4" are currently on Dodgy Dave´s jet bound for Lourdes.
48

Gerry M,

27/03/2008 09:43:11
46

If Polmont Juniors or Darkest Peru had won their league 58 times would that make them the most successful club in the world.
49

,

27/03/2008 09:52:06
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
50

dg seville,

Northants 27/03/2008 09:54:44
Why don't we just give Rangers the league trophy now? They don't care how they win it. It's not just the Celtic fans who are complaining, it's the neutrals and other team’s fans. Why is there not more of a negative story on the Rangers withdrawals? Why is there a negative slant on Celtic organising an end of season tour to Japan? Any objective person would draw their own conclusions that Rangers or their friends are trying to manipulate the media and talk their way to the League Championship, Celtic do not do this they get on with it and don't get any favours.

Come on Celtic rise above it stuff them on Saturday, we have don’t it before and we will do it again.
51

no fan of the sfa,

27/03/2008 09:56:22
While i can understand rangers opinion that they will not risk players for diddy friendlies i do not agree with it.

Out of all of the players who withdrew barry ferguson is the worst offender. Earlier in his career he withdrew from lots of scotland squads claiming injury only to play in rangers next game a few days later.

This guy is suppose to be the captain, setting an example to team mates and young children yet he has slapped scotland in the face so many times.

In some ways burley should drop him and strip him of the captaincy. In two years basketball barry won't be up to international standard and will not be worth his place so why put of the inevitable?
52

The Diamond,

Glasgow 27/03/2008 10:01:30
#43

You can rant and rave all you want, but one thing is certain you are not a Scot.

53

The Diamond,

Glasgow 27/03/2008 10:05:21
#50

When was the last time you were at P'heid?

Even if you get your beads out you've still not got a hope in hell.

Wise up.
54

,

27/03/2008 10:17:45
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
55

dg seville,

Northants 27/03/2008 10:18:52
The Diamond.

That's right keep up the propaganda, god have you set yourselves up for such a fall. Come on Celtic rise above the bigoted scum that follow that hated club from Govan.

Rangers 0 Celtic 3 on Saturday Hail Hail Three in a Row.
56

The Diamond,

Glasgow 27/03/2008 10:35:47
#54

Yes I'm proud to be British.

WTF did your country ever give the world?

In a word ZILCH.
57

The Diamond,

Glasgow 27/03/2008 10:37:57
#55

You've suddenly forgot that we have everything and everybody in our back pockets.

How on earth can you ever beat us on Saturday?

It's TOTALLY IMPOSSIBLE.

It's ALL OVER come Saturday.

58

,

27/03/2008 10:39:46
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
59

imch,

27/03/2008 10:51:14
No 49 - I was keeping it jovial ya muppet. Honestly did they remove your sense of humour when they attached the chip to your shoulder. Of course I wasn't trying to suggest that once speaking to Nick Nairn at a cookery course demonstrated I was a multi millionaire.

However, to your other (in)valid points. At no time did I compare Rangers to Arsenal, I was saying that someone may choose their footie team based on their style of play and stylistically Arsenal are a fabulous team, where was the reference to the mighty Rangers there? I will admit our football at the moment is dull beyond reproach, but it if it wins the league then who cares.

Fair do's on the grammar, if you have the time to trawl through my post for the odd missplaced semi colon or split infinitive then hats off to you, as this is an internet forum I don't spend much time checking my typing. Also, I still believe it beats anything published in the Scotsman.... however, you would want to check yourself before opening fire on my IQ.... where did I use Latin, I used an English derivation of a French phrase, "bon mot". How stupid do you feel now?

Finally, lay of the mother reference, she has never been near a bingo hall. Are you deflecting feelings for your own mother here Oedipus?






60

imch,

27/03/2008 10:53:45
Gerry M, get your own fight.

In answer to your question Polmont Juniors are what the name suggests a junior team so no. I have not heard of Darkest Peru, however if they had won 109 domestic Peruvian professional honours then yes it would.
61

,

27/03/2008 10:55:31
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
62

DublinHibs,

27/03/2008 10:58:26
However your comments have been noted.......and will be considered......................




















































nah ye still sound like you live on fantasy island, however that post will keep me going for days now!!!

Nick Nairn indeed, you my shell suit clad friend are up for a perriere this year
63

The Diamond,

27/03/2008 11:01:28
#58

You're a liar.

Ireland had nothing to do with any of these. LOL.
64

DublinHibs,

27/03/2008 11:08:43
58

very good... dominic/zander/anne/jim/neil
65

TJ 1873,

27/03/2008 11:31:06
#11 Well said! That's probably the wisest and most balanced post I've seen on here.
66

#1GGTTH,

27/03/2008 11:38:26
Once again such contempt for the rest of Scotland from the OF (more so Rangers on this occasion but Celtic have been guilty in the past). Every player that pulled on a Scottish shirt last night has a club to represent and everyone of them will be moving into the final 1/4 of the season with important matches coming up whether it be relegation battles, races for European positions, cup games or whatever.

Imagine every player withdrew with an "injury" which is no more than an excuse to play at the weekend? What would happen? What gives Rangers the right to do it anymore than any other team? Whole thing stinks, not a conspiracy theory as that would imply there is some sort of doubt.

Bottom line is it's a joke and George Burley must act. Regardless if it is a friendly or a qualifier if you are selected to play for Scotland you either play, are genuinely injured or just dont bother coming back.

Barry is an overrated scummy little shellsuit wearing fud anyway, he should do the honourable thing and beat it for good anyway.
67

Swede16,

poxy broxy 27/03/2008 11:50:43
If it all goes pear.shaped for Sillies on Satursay then they can always claim the gang of 4 were lacking match sharpness.
68

TJ 1873,

27/03/2008 11:52:19
It was actually a wise move by Strachan, leaving four players in.

That's him got his excuses prepared for a match he simply can't win.
69

Swede16,

poxy broxy 27/03/2008 12:01:42
"... simply cant win"

The stupidity of arrogance.
70

canamalar,

27/03/2008 12:04:25
oh, and didnt scotland do well, a great result, against a team seded above, with a load of second choices, adn didnt the bhoys play with their hearts, the good news is that they all came through the game without a scratch and have proved themselves against some of the best players in europe, no matter how you look at it a boost to the confidence, ahead of one of the biggest games of the season.
bring it on
71

Blou,

http://ifyouknowtheirhistory.blogspot.com/ 27/03/2008 12:22:50
Quick quiz.

1. Name the only country in world football where the top two teams are not allowed to play a title decider?

2. Name the fhans responsible for number 1.
































Answers-

1. Scotland.
2. Celtc fans.

The worlds worst fans in the world. That's the world.
72

stefano,

Brum 27/03/2008 13:20:34
Are the fans bleating about Barry Ferguson's withdrawal the same ones who boo him at Easter Road, Tynie, Pit-tawdry, etc etc etc?

I think we should be told.


73

stefano,

Brum 27/03/2008 13:24:02
#50, you have made me laugh so loud that half my collagues have asked me if I'm OK.

You've managed to get a conspiracy theory, paranoia and a blind faith in your team into one short post.

Keep them coming, this is comedy gold.

"we have don’t it before" :-)
74

Media 1,

cape town 27/03/2008 13:31:31
Injuries are irrelivant, whether real or not the bottom line is that Rangers play Celtic on Saturday and that is that!

Rangers fans are obviously looking fwd to the game, Celtic fans obviously not. But I believe Celtic will surprise people and leave with all 3 points.

Rangers 1 vs Celtic 2
75

canamalar,

27/03/2008 13:44:36
71
Friendly at Bolton ? 2007 anyone, only in scotland eh
76

imch,

27/03/2008 14:05:47
Dublinhibs muppet...... it appears you are being censored by the Scotsman.

I have never in my life worn a shell suit. At the moment I am wearing a Hugo Boss charcoal grey suit which I purchased in New York last December. The ensemble is completed by Calvin Klein brogues and shirt.

Back to your good self, you still have not answered the question regarding your mother obsession......???? Have you failed to find a partner that matches up to mummy...??? You do seem a very angry young man, I am guessing you are still a wee lad, I am sure there are help lines that can assist you in adressing your many issues.

77

canamalar,

27/03/2008 14:08:27
76
can you no afford armani ?
78

Another King of Spain,

sensing the fear of the hoops 27/03/2008 15:49:02
4# Paddy - you mean 'wont' surely in this context?

12# Pat - I think I have safely established that my IQ is probably significantly in excess of your's over the last few months.

Bye bye septc.




Patrick O'Shaunnessy,
27/03/2008 00:35:27


As I said, if you hadn't leapt to the conspiracy theory that Rangers fans are want to do, I like Burley.

 

Comment on this Story

 

In order to post comments you must Register or Sign In

 
 
RSS Feed of this article's comments
Delivery formats: RSS, Atom, Javascript & Email
 
  

 
 

More Football

More Football >>

More Rangers FC

More Rangers FC >>

Features

Supplements
Photos Today

Featured Advertising



Sister Newspapers:
Press Complaints Commission

This website and its associated newspaper adheres to the Press Complaints Commission’s Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then contact the Editor by clicking here.

If you remain dissatisfied with the response provided then you can contact the PCC by clicking here.