RicoS321

Like Duk, he's an enigma. Although I think, possibly, that Youan's ceiling is probably higher given his attributes. Both have huge question marks over whether they'll actually make it or not, with both probably pointing towards not at the moment. Hibs should probably take any money they can get (I'd heard £2M, which will have gained forum based inflation). I don't think that they'll be in a position next season to gamble on a guy maybe turning good (like we weren't this season with Duk, albeit Duk was coming off the back of a good season). I can see why clubs of a certain size would take a punt on Youan though, whether they'll be willing to spend the time and money on working out his flaws is an aside. Edit: of course, now that they're part of a "group", it could just be a case of shifting players and money for tax and fair play purposes.

Jute's point about Fraser not being in the squad is a good one to mention here too. There may be personal reasons (I'm not convinced Clarke has ever been particularly enamoured with him) that he isn't in, but it does strike me as a bit strange that Armstrong is in the squad despite not making the Southampton side the other night (not fit, of course), with Fraser (a regular) not in. It reminds me of Brown in the late nineties, when we just continued with the same players through loyalty and continuity, rather than regularly introducing new faces in order to transition from one campaign to the next. I'm fairly convinced that this will be the "last chance" to see at least half a dozen of these players in a Scotland squad, and I'm not sure what purpose it serves. Hanley, Cooper, Jack, Armstrong, McLean, Forrest are all guys that don't bring a huge amount to the squad and also won't be there beyond the summer (Fraser, at 30, probably has a qualifying in him). The Forrest one, especially, is just weird tokenism at its finest. Barron in for Jack, Max Johnston in for Hanley or Cooper, and maybe Stewart or Conway in for one of McLean, Armstrong or Forrest. Even Josh Doig in for another of the three just mentioned. Would our squad look any worse? Not really. Of course, I'm only mentioning these lads as I've watched the u21s a few times and I'm aware of them, I'm sure there are some other unearthed Scottish grannies out there with grandsons in their early twenties. These guys might not even be the future of the national side, but at least they have a future and we can begin the process of transfer to them.

Their pitch was one of the good ones. Dundee and the Tims should be moved to the championship until they sort out their excuses for a pitch.

2-0 County. I like County, but it'd have been nice to see Raith up for a wee shotty.

Leverkusen must have some keeper.

Jack is there as a sympathy vote for playing in the qualifiers, I expect he'll be gone from the 26. Souttar was in the squad when he was with hearts and I guess when the choice is Cooper not playing for his club, Hanley not playing for his club, or Souttar, it's swings and roundabouts. At five years younger than the other two, he's probably more justified.

Pish. They could have done that in two passes.

I tend not to offer advice on many things, but I think that you should perhaps reassess this part of your life.

Don't think this has been mentioned elsewhere, but the club are looking to extend his contract. Been a great signing, with a fantastic goal return. As I said, not mentioned anywhere else but this dedicated McGrath thread.

That's the sort of lazy attitude that leads us to discussing former St Mirren players on two separate threads.

It's been in the other transfer news thread for a day, it's old news. Next you'll be telling us about a general election. In the Scotland squad thread.

There should be a different thread for this type of news.

Christ, his agent does seem to have undersold him a bit. Although it wouldn't surprise me if they're another side that has been bought by large pocketed foreigners or whatever. I have to admit, he didn't impress that much last time we played them, compared with the previous meeting, but he still seemed to be a midfielder that covered a lot of ground, which is what we'll need. Anyway, once Barron signs a new four year deal, we'll quickly forget about him.

I expect Jack is there because Clarke is loyal to his players. I expect that him and Kelly will drop out of the 28. I'd also probably have Souttar ahead of one of Hanley or Cooper (we've actually got seven centre backs, as Tierney will definitely be playing left of the three). Clarke does seem to have a tendency to let his squads get a bit stale because of his need to remain loyal to those that played in qualifying. Surely Doig in for one of the centre backs, Barron in for Jack and Johnson in place of one of the goalkeepers would have aided the transition. I expect we'll see quite a few not play again after this tournament, without having featured, or only minimal minutes on the park.

I thought Tierney was honking anytime he played right back previously. It was like playing with a man down. Maybe he's improved, but I'd probably stick with Ralston or McRorie. I'd normally agree about guys who aren't playing, but I'd make an exception for a young player coming through (like we did with Gilmour). I'd forgotten about Stewart, might be a good shout. We just have very little depth and nothing different coming off the bench. Armstrong and MacLean are okay in qualifiers against poorer opponents, but they're probably not going to swing a game against the Germans with some dazzling bit of footwork. The BBC mentions that Tommy Conway has scored 12 this season for Bristol, so might as well take him and McRorie so they can share travel expenses.

Disgusting article on the BBC regarding the squad to be announced tomorrow. No mention at all that Dons legend Nicky Devlin is a right back who isn't doing anything else this summer. I'm assuming it'll be Ralston, and maybe McRorie. The squad looks a little lacking though and I can't help but think we're going to need a surprise inclusion or two to give us something off the bench. Assuming that none of the English losers are going to suddenly manifest their Scottishness, I'd be inclined to throw Doak in. He looks a little bit off first team level, but he may just provide something when we need it with his direct running. It's also a good way to introduce him into the squad for future campaigns. When you look at the defenders in the squad, do we really need all of McKenna, Cooper and Hanley (the latter two didn't make their sides for the recent playoff)? Clarke values loyalty, of course, but at what point does that bridge into Craig Brown territory of resisting continuous squad development?

Yesssssssss. Bottom six champions. What a season

Unlucky from MacDonald, definite red. Think there was probably a foul on Devlin, but would have been soft. Random subs from Leven there like, a right sided centre back on for MacDonald and the hardworking Duk on when we go down to ten.

Another good goal, great run from Sokler and did the right thing just squaring it. Slightly lucky touch from Hoilett, but a great cutback for McGrath for another assist. Eleven goals for McGrath is a fantastic return.

Sokler. He's really good in the air like. Well played by Barron.

Great start. MacDonald on the left isn't going to be the answer. Murray an intriguing prospect....

Probably had bird flu.

Interestingly, Austin Samuels is actually Gaelic for Shayden Morris.

0-2 to accies now. ICT needing three. Much as I like to see a team from the North doing well, I do like the fact that Duncan disorderly is failing miserably at management. The number of times he was touted for us despite having zero experience was fucking annoying. Nothing against the guy like, just hopefully put people off suggesting guys like that in the future, based on nothing more than being a name, or hard, or takes no shite or the myriad of other reasons.

Legendary Don, Ngwenya on again for Patrick.