What did you make of Heart boss Robbie Neilson’s blast about Alexandro Bernabei’s challenge and his decapitation claim?
ANDY NEWPORT: I’m in the wrong business if I’m going to take issue with managers voicing their opinions. It was obviously a tongue in cheek comment but to be honest I’m not sure that was the hill to die on for Robbie. A yellow at most for me.
FRASER WILSON: It was an awkward lunge for the ball and deserved a yellow card. Neilson’s comments were a bit over the top but it could be mind games with the sides meeting again this afternoon and the Jambos boss was no doubt laying down a wee marker for the ref.
MICHAEL GANNON: Fair play to him, but it was just some managerial shenanigans to deflect from defeat and perhaps put a bit of pressure on the officials for today’s rematch. The Bernabei tackle was never a red.
Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos have hogged the headlines but should Ryan Jack be offered a new deal at Rangers?
ANDY: The Scotland midfielder’s ability has never been in question - just his durability when it comes to staying fit. But his current form certainly merits another deal. He was sensational at Easter Road.
FRASER: Yes. He’s just turned 31 but the midfielder proved against Hibs he still has the legs for the Scottish Premiership. That was his 31st appearance of the season and Rangers will need options in the middle next season. Jack remains a solid one.
MICHAEL: The midfielder has had his injury problems but there’s no doubt when he is fit he’s a valuable man to have around.
How will this weekend’s remaining Scottish Cup ties go?
ANDY: Hearts have kept their top men back as they look to throw everything at Celtic today but Ange Postecoglou’s team are unstoppable right now. Rangers should make light work of Raith Rovers while Championship-contenders Ayr will be too strong for Falkirk.
FRASER: This afternoon’s tie at Tynecastle should be a belter. But it’s hard to see past Celtic in their current form. Rangers should be too strong for Raith which leaves the battle of the lower league clubs on Monday and I fancy Ayr to edge Falkirk to set up a semi final payday at Hampden.
MICHAEL: Celtic should edge a barnstormer with Hearts, Rangers won’t have much stress against Raith Rovers and Ayr United will sneak past Falkirk, maybe even on penalties.
What do you think about the SPFL proposals to rejig the firth tier with more colt teams who could be promoted to the senior ranks?
ANDY: You just have to look up to the World Cup for the evidence supporting colt sides. The top 10 clubs who provided the most homegrown talent for competing nations in Qatar all made use of B-teams to boost their development. It’s time we cottoned on to their benefit.
FRASER: It’s majorly unfair on the ambitious clubs in the Highland, Lowland, West and East of Scotland Leagues - and there are plenty who have invested heavily in a bid to work their way up the pyramid. It’s not for me.
MICHAEL: It’s a tricky one. If we have a 10 team conference with six colt teams, how is that much different to a youth league, at least in the short term? There is an argument for colts that can climb the tables but the pyramid set up still needs looked at.
READ NEXT
