After a week of European woe that still hasn't been forgotten, there was a return to domestic action for both Celtic and Rangers.
Both got back to winning ways to ensure it's a case of as you were at the top of the Premiership table. But the continental crisis is never far from either side of Glasgow's mind - namely what the other has failed to do and what they can score points over. This week, it's Rangers playing at a lower level that Celtic won't even be in after Christmas, sparking a tit for tat in the "Mickey Mouse" stakes.
Alan Flett called to pop back at one of Saturday’s callers following Rangers’ Europa League draw with Aris Limassol. He said: “It’s good to see Henry Moffat making a fool of himself yet again. Wouldn’t it be good if Rangers had £100million just sitting in the bank by the end of the season with more Champions League humiliation just around the corner?
“As for the Mickey Mouse league, his team aren’t good enough to play in that either, and every Celtic fan I know was panicking like mad when Joe Aribo scored in Seville last year.”
Gers bounced back with a 2-0 win over St Mirren, but one punter is less than convinced as he wonders what Philippe Clement is up to persisting with Cyriel Dessers.
Gordon Hendry, Ochiltree, emailed: "Our Manager seems intent on upsetting the Rangers fans starting Dessers, thankfully, he had the sense to start Lawrence and McCausland and switch Cantwell to the number 10 position during the game where he was able to open up St Mirren repeatedly. He then spoiled things however, by bringing on Lammers who - as usual - missed a golden opportunity..roll on the January transfer window."
Celtic came from behind to beat St Johnstone and callum McGregor got them back into things, but he should apparently be producing far more than he is. Barriemore Barlow, Dumbartonshire, said: Regardless of the fact McGregor scored he should now be rested to score his first goal of the season in December is lamentable,four mediocre months is not good enough he's only playing because he's captain not a good reason
Away from the cinch, and excitement is building after Scotland were handed a glamour Euro 2024 opener against Germany. Tam Bain, Desborough, said: “It’s a decent draw for Scotland and they should not fear any of the teams they’ve come out the hat with. I only wish we had a really good striker. If there is a weak spot in this squad, its the lack of quality up front. It’s time to look at the under-21s, if they’re good enough, they’re old enough!”
Gavin MacLeod, Renfrew, called to say: “Like France ‘98, Scotland will be the headline act as Euro 2024 kicks off in Munich. As draws go, that’s about as favourable as we could get. There are no weak teams but Germany are notoriously slow starters, so getting off to a flier is key. The other two games hold little fear, so we have a decent chance to secure progression to the knock-out stage. The only concern I have is Germany having enough beer to supply the travelling Tartan Army…”
Nick Campbell, Edinburgh, added: “Scotland repeating the trick of France ’98 and taking part in the showpiece opener will be exciting for the whole country. While the task of overhauling Ronaldo’s Brazil felt too great, you have to feel this German team could well be there for the taking!”
