DantheDon

Straight swap would be good. Nobody talking about the draw yet. Hearts at Hamden and if we can beat them likely meeting Celtic in the final, barring a massive shock.

I’ve no doubt that there is more to come from Okkels but if the reported 1M price tag is correct I think it’s very hard to justify at this point. Not against signing him, in general just think thats too much to pay on his current showing.

I think the mistake is making a triple change all in one go when you’re so dominant. It’s fine if you’re not doing great but when you are playing as-well as we were it’s bound to disrupt the flow of the team. I think guys like Boyd getting minutes is great but if you have Nisbet in front of him it will give him a bit more to show what he can actually do.

Assuming the option to buy Okkels is for a significant six figure fee I can’t see us bringing him in. His form would really have to take off in the remaining games. He just hasn’t done enough, I would rather give one of our young guys an opportunity next season based on what I’ve seen so far. Out 3-1 Nisbet Hatrick

I think we would have to be really unlucky to not make the top six at this point. So I think we are hoping we can compete for third. As I’ve said elsewhere if Hibs keep up their current form I can’t see us managing it. Things should be a bit clearer after this weekend. If Hibs were to knock Celtic out then it won’t make all that much difference if we finish Third or fifth, just have to win the cup.

I would rather be in Europe next season and not get third, as it’s unlikely we get guaranteed European group stage football after this season, as has been said above. I do think if we want the guaranteed euro place in future it’s up to the representatives outwith the old firm to start getting through qualifiers. I know it’s hit or miss based on who you draw how realistic that is. I hope that our current defensive woes will resolve themselves as the new guys get more time together. I know some are hopeful Hibs form will drop off but their confidence will be high at the moment, so I’m not so sure.

That’s Hibs beaten Hearts which is not what we would’ve wanted ideally. Think even if we can find some form we have a real battle on for third. Think we need to get the confidence up and win as many games as possible prior to the split now.

From Thelins statement it sounds as if he had been told he wasn’t going to get game time. He reminds me of Efe Ambrose in that he was a decent player generally but just too prone to a howler.

I haven’t seen him in person yet but Wikipedia says he’s 6ft 2in? Is that wrong Rico?

Great Draw. At home to Queens Park

I think we need to see how the new recruits are looking over the next couple of months before we can really say what we need come summer. Only obvious ones are replacements for McGrath and McKenzie.

Kinda sad the way it worked out with Duk. The run in during the first season under Robson he was great and I feel like he would have been remembered very fondly if it weren’t for his antics over the summer. I don’t think he’s ready for La Liga, so even if the rumoured sell on is correct I doubt it will amount to much.

Duk confirmed away.

I hear this young guy Timothy Akindileni who QPR are trying to sign from us is a left sided center back. I know he’s young but if that’s what we need maybe we should offer him game time to stay. Can’t be any worse than Ruby.

Looking at his stats he doesn’t seem to have scored more than two in a season prior to this season. So I’d be wary about whether he can replicate the form he has now.

I think the hard sell might be the gulf in wages. I know Rangers aren’t in the best financial shape but if he’s offered 15k a week there compared to 5k with us he will probably go there. Its the difficultly for us shopping for proven SPL players. This is the equivalent of signing a Kenny Maclean, Scott Severin or Barry Nicholson but now Rangers are in for him I’d be very surprised to see him sign here.

At home to Dunfermline. Not a bad draw.

I feel like it’s a bit unfair to assume he wanted to go. He’s a local loon and could be an Aberdeen fan for all we know. I think people just assume the worst. Ryan Jack went to Rangers because he was a Rangers fan, I assume it could be the same for Barron but not all our players will be.

I would think Tobers is in with a good chance of starting. We have a bit of an injury crisis in defence and with Ruby also suspended we probably have little choice.

Were you seeing that Al?

The commenter (on the premier stream I think) did make a good point regarding Sievert in that he hasn’t had a break over the summer so is basically at the end of his season. When you consider this and his age is it possible we are just asking too much of him? Not sure if we could rest him in favour of Palaversa or if we need to further strengthen that area.

That was prophetic Al, any chance you could give me some lottery numbers for the night?

I was just watching the BBC live reporting updates and was wondering what was going on. I think it’s a disappointing result with the way Hibs have been recently, but definitely highlights we are still a work in progress. By sounds of things we could do with a good experienced head at center back. So it might be time to give McDonald a run if he’s fit by the weekend.

I agree he’s not a starter for them but he could be a squad player. I don’t think he’s going to the English championship to be a bit part player but the team he likely supports, I think there is a fair chance he would go for it. Especially if the money is good.

Wouldn’t be surprised to see McGrath sign for Celtic before the end of the season. I always hope that the young guys would rather head down south but unfortunately even being a local gives them about a 50% likely hood they support one of the old firm.