Anyone who thinks that Rangers will arrive at Celtic Park on Wednesday evening low on confidence or strategy better think again. For all their poor recent form they are top of the league, beat Celtic comfortably earlier this season and have a squad full of players who know what it’s like to win the league.
They will revert to a familiar strategy. Pack the midfield, deny Celtic’s creative players space, take no chances at the back and wait for a seasonal gift from Celtic. I watched their recent defeat to St Mirren and I think it’s possible to question some players’ attitude to the game but things will be different at Celtic Park. Already written off by many, ironically, they will arrive with the confidence only a team with nothing to lose can muster.
Celtic’s league form over the last two months has been exceptional and their Europa League performances indicate there is a lot more to come from this squad but they still have plenty to prove. A particular concern will be the lack of a settled team in recent months. Kelvin Wilson is likely to start his first game in months and I’d not be surprised to see Emilio Izaguirre back.
The front pairing is also a concern. Georgios Samaras is back to his best form but he and Hooper have never convinced as a partnership. We have to hope that Victor Wanyama can be relieved of central defensive duties to allow him to anchor midfield alongside Beram Kayal. Neither Brown nor Ki are sufficiently imposing in the crucial central midfield area. No matter how Celtic start on Wednesday the team will have a makeshift feel to it, any win will be hard earned.
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We should play this over the PA before the game on Wednesday…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxYRbzGi8Rg
.
Just got Back from Puss & Boots 3D..
Imagine watching My Bhoy Georgious Defeating The Hun in 3D.. It would be Awesome.. Him Running at Weir & Co.. Marauding down the Wing.. Dribbling through their Defence.. Lobbing McSh*gger..
We Could Name the DVD.. The Return of The Magnificent #Nine..
Co Starring Lee Van Hooper.. Jesse James Forrest.. Ki(t) Carson.. Emillio (The Duke) Izzaguree.. Victor (John Wanye)Yama..
Summa
From Video Celts
Former referee Kenny Clark has condemned Rangers appeal against Lee McCulloch’s red card against St Mirren as cynical and disappointing.
Rangers announced yesterday that they would appeal the decision to order McCulloch off after he elbowed St Mirren’s Graham Carey in front of referee Steven McLean.
With SFA staff enjoying an extended winter break until January 5 McCulloch is free to play against Celtic and Motherwell and will miss the Scottish Cup tie at Arbroath if his appeal is dismissed.
This season the SFA brought in a Fast Track appeal system to hear appeals and administer justice but the extended Christmas holiday enjoyed by the SFA has shown the system up as anything but ‘fast-track’
“Have no doubts this is a cynical and disappointing exploitation of a festive loophole to make sure McCulloch can face Celtic tomorrow night,” Clark said in his column in The Sun.
“Rangers would not be appealing Lee McCulloch’s red card if they still had a 12-point lead over Celtic- let’s just make that clear right away.
“Personally, I don’t think they’ll care if they eventually have it rejected- as it should be- by the SFA next week. The bottom line is McCulloch is now free to play at Parkhead and against Motherwell on Monday. That’s all that really matters to them, in my mind.
“We’re talking about Rangers’ actions but only a fool would believe no other club would do the same if they were in a similar situation.
“Rangers have sussed out the possibility and gone for it so it’s mission accomplished. They can’t appeal Goian’s dismissal as it was two yellows. The need for McCulloch to be involved for the Celtic showdown was even greater.”
Clark added: “Steven McLean appeared perfectly placed to judge Saturday’s flashpoint with Graham Carey and he acted with conviction. Having seen McCulloch’s swinging arm I can only back the decision.
“There’s a train of thought that because contact was not that severe it shouldn’t have been a red card but the impact factor is irrelevant.
“It’s the intent that counts and there’s no doubt in my mind that McCulloch was looking to connect.
“The ref will be consulted during the appeal process and asked if he now has a different view but I would be shocked if he changed his mind.”
In fairness to elbows, he’s only used one of his elbows, the appeal might work
Tom McLaughlin says:
27 December, 2011 at 05:35
‘Writing a fictitious post purporting to be the work of a well-known journalist who works for a popular Scottish newspaper is crass in the extreme, and potentially libellous, leaving Paul and CQN open to litigation.’
Only in the kind of fantasy world in which Mr Whyte, the Motherwell born billionaire, whose wealth is off the scale, sues the BBC for defamation.
If a ‘journalist’s’ work is so susceptible to parody that people are as easily taken in as they appear to have been, then he’s fair game.
I am one of those who would have Sammi and Brown playing tomorrow. I have been one of the few who championed the big Greek (he reminds me so much of Yogi). I am NOT a fan of our captain but he adds much needed aggression and drive to our play. We are going to need those quakities against them. Sammui out left; Brown out right. Wanywama & Kayal in the middle and Forrest playing freely in support of Hooper. The defense is what is available, as has been the case much of the season, with the fast and vastly improving Foster in goal.
GCT thanks for pointing out Aw naw’s fun piece so that I could go back and read it. Very very funny Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo keep them coming as long as they have the cheek to claim to be serious journo’s. GCT take a chill pill mate. It was still a free Country when I left and extracting the Michael of fat jabbas wasn’t a crime then although maybe this new law makes it one. I am going back to re read for another laugh. How many hours to go Summa?
Morning bhoys, frostie but hun free as ever.
If the sfa are closed, who can the hun appeal to, the media ?
Off out, things to do.
Tom, GCT
Jaba – respected?
Journalist ?
The man is a parody – the piece was a parody, so tres fitting.
You been out in the Sun?
ERNIE LYNCH 0834
Must admit,I had to laugh-both at the post itself,and at those who were outraged at Traynor for writing it!
It can surely be classed as satire,and a very credible example of it.
Little more than ONLY AN EXCUSE does every New Year.
IMO,AWE NAW can keep hammering out these articles,which remind us why we shouldn’t buy the rags.
Mind,I’ll still post links to them occasionally,just to p him off!
Is NL’s first name on the team sheet Sammi?
Think the Huns will anticipate the big man going at them from our left and will load thierv mid to compensate.
For this reason I hope JF plays,should be space to exploit on the right, though they will crowd the middle of the park.
We will need to win the battle before the war though. Hope to see Vic in the middle with Kayal foe that reason.
Nerves bubbling already!
Just been reading the latest from PHIL MAC,he might as well have titled it…”BAH,HUMBUG”
However,the second comment from the top,from jac smith(?) looks a little familiar
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.philmacgiollabhain.ie/nollaig-shona-daoibh-go-leir/#more-1877
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Has our old pal KOJO acquired another nom de plume,or simply another admirer/plagiarist?
.
34HRS to The Celtic Club Melbourne opens it’s Doors..
Mayhem on a Thurs Morning..
Summa
For those of you who enjoy a little parody Mr Z’s was posted another HILARIOUS urine extraction yesterday.
If you are offended, lack a sense of humour or a multi monickered multi poster scroll on by.
Otherwise please tighten your neck tie before clicking this link.
Mr Z’s Parody
MWD
Good morning to all from MK.
ernie lynch says @ at 08:34
Although I access numerous news agencies in the morning in order to broaden my viewpoint on the world I don’t always have a full understanding of the detail or the personalities of the Scottish media and I rely heavily on posters to CQN to bring me the nuances of events in Scotland to enhance my knowledge and my sense of belonging to the Celtic family.
Irony and parody only work when the audience are aware and it’s incumbent on the author to ensure he supplies clues so his target audience get ‘in’ on the joke, I’m afraid the author missed his audience in this case.
Citibhoy Shoulder to Shoulder with Neil Lennon says:
27 December, 2011 at 08:52
Tom, GCT
Jaba – respected?
Journalist ?
The man is a parody – the piece was a parody, so tres fitting.
You been out in the Sun?
Defending a grotesque hack from a very down-market tabloid rag, you should be banned from CQN for that 0)))))))))))))))))
Murdochbhoy
Awe Naw has been Awe Nawing articles for decades.
Now you know…
MWD the secret is oot there. :o)))))
murdochbhoy
I’ll give you a clue – DIDDY
Awe Naw really needs to bolden and capitalise his urine extraction.
MWD {:-))))))
Anyway, back to footballing matters.
Its no real surprise Mc Coist’s tactical masterpiece is so reliant on elbows McCullough but I’m not at all worried as Mc Cullogh will be Wanyama’dddddddddddddddd on Wednesday.
Moonbeams WD…
You’ll have to forgive me …….was the humour his or someone else’s in his uncredited posts?
murdochbhoy
with a name like that you should know the press tell lies… o)))
.
Parody..
This Really Happened..
……………………………………………….
Crossing Over with Kenny Miller….
Martin Bain: Bears and Bearettes today we welcome Kenny back from Timmyland…. From an early age…. Kenny Miller displayed remarkable psychic abilities…. predictions and premonitions he couldn’t explain….even scoring goals…. At 15, a reading by a psychic changed his life…. Kenny was told what millions have witnessed…. He can reunite people in the physical world with those that have….crossed over the Timmy divide….I give you Mr Kenneth Miller….
Kenny Miller: Welcome to “Crossing Over”…. Before we begin…. I must stress again I’m here to score goals and Never kissed that badge….Also the importance of remembering the details that come from these sessions. Specifically, the things that don’t seem to make sense at first. It’s imperative that you remember everything I say…. Okay…. I think I’m Aye Ready…. And…. I’m going over here…. in this direction…. right here…. And someone over here….I’m getting a J…. A…. J…. a Man with a T connection…. Who’s got a Man with a T?…. [ no response ] Maybe F?…. F or T?…. A Man with a F…. or T…. [ no response ] Or…. R?…. K, T, R…. or W. Yes W….
Moonbeams: [ raises hand ] Oh! I know an W!….
Kenny Miller: Okay. Okay, what is the name?
Moonbeams Walt Walt….
Kenny Miller: And has he passed recently?….
Moonbeams: No, he’s sitting right here….
Kenny Miller: Okay.. maybe it was Walt I was getting…. Walt, did you have someone pass recently?….
WaltDisnae: Yes, I did…. I know someone who Passed [Smiling]
Kenny Miller: Okay…. And did their name begin with a T or a F?
WaltDisnae: No….
Kenny Miller: pause Or a P?…. Or a B?….
WaltDisnae No…..
Kenny Miller: T…. A…. or F? ….
WaltDisnae: No….
Kenny Miller: Or…. S…. or W?…. A taller person…. name begins with a T…. or an F…. [ no response ] B or a G?….
WaltDisnae: No…. I’m sorry….
Kenny Miller: Could be a player…. who couldn’t pass…. or score in an bordello…. @ Ipox….. or @ Stampford Bridge?…. [ pause ] It might have been a man with blonde hair…. or small last name. could be a Johnny foreigner ….or he stayed in a Hotel …. or a apartment…. or his parents’ home…. or in a dormitory…. Name begins with D or S…. or U…. or an F…. yes I’m sure it’s F
Moonbeams: [ excited…. hand in the air] Ooh…. ooh! Kenny Kenny…. Flo! ….We knew an Flo!….
WaltDisnae: Oh, which one was he? ….
Moonbeams: Oh, was signed by that other Wee Dick…. the one with the carpet on his heid!
Kenny Miller: [ full of it ] I’m seeing a carpet….. Is that a man with a carpet on his heid?…. Who signed a diddy called Flo?….
Moonbeams Oh, yes! It was him who signed the diddy!…. It wisnae me honest Kenny.
Kenny Miller: Yes…. Yes…. And he had a very bad carpet….like a German helmut,
Moonbeams: No, it – was his real hair….
Kenny Miller: It’s shorter. It’s shorter. Like a young Adolf. …Or, even shorter, like a Ernie Wise. …
Moonbeams: Not really..Kenny….
Kenny Miller: [ getting angry ] Well…. I’m seeing a carpet, are you calling me a liar?
Moonbeams: No. Keep going. [ Whispers ] “Heh ….Walt can this Wee Pr*ck really Read My Mind?”…. Whit if he finds Oota boot the Aqua Dome Lies?….
Kenny Miller: [ sighs ] Okay…. I see him working….. with something….. his hands are holding….. a thing….. a.. a ball….. [ quickly ] No, no, no!…. I take it back, that was dumb!…. That was dumb! ….He did hold a thing….. he did a hold a thing..
Moonbeams: Yes! He held a ball, he was a tactical genius! ….
WaltDisnae: This is incredible! ….
Kenny Miller: A Coach… Okay, he was a Coach….. he was a Coach…. and, for some reason, I’m getting a Fernando….. Does that mean anything?
WaltDisnae: Yes! I remember, He Coached a Fernando!…. I wanted him for Everton.
Kenny Miller: Yes. Yes, he Coached T-t-t-to-to….. T-t-t-t-ta…. he Coached…. he Coached Total Foetball?….
Moonbeams: Eh, No….
Kenny Miller: Beach Foetball? ….
Moonbeams: No….
Kenny Miller: 5 a sides?
Moonbeams: No, he bought – Konterman FF’s….
Kenny Miller: Sshhh! Ssshhh! Sshhhh!…. Swimming?…. [ no response ] Swimming?…. [ no response ] W-w-w Water Polo!…. [ no response ] He Coached Water polo?…. Yes I see it now he Coached Water polo….!!!!
Moonbeams: FF’s He can see the Aqua Dome….Were F*cked….Walt…. Get Bain, Bazza, and Edwards….
Kenny Miller:[ Dazed ] Okay…. he wasn’t a real Coach…. I’m sorry….Okay…. how am I supposed to get that?…. How am I supposed to get that?…. Okay…. screw you guys….you guys are dead to me! Okay, screw you guys…. Okay…. I’m going over here now….. I see someone…. who ate food a lot of food….i see a B yes a B Barca maybe?…. Bobo maybe?…. no wait it’s a Bazza?…. yes Bazza …..he’s fat yes fat….and I see a limp….. yes fat and limping….
“Kenny Kenny wake up” [ Kenny’s Mum ] George Burley is on the phone….
Summa
Hope your all having a very merry jolly Christmas time of it bhoys
Away wi the fairies
No brain in the head
so little Awe Naw
gets the lynch mob instead
The hacks turn a blind eye
Thugs Thieves they portray
But little Awe Naw
is not going away
The brain moves so slowly
The poor poster awakes
But little Awe Naw
No crying He makes
I love Thee, Awe Naw
Ignore whom decry
And stay by my side,
‘Til The Record doth die
Be near me, Awe Naw
We ask Thee to stay
No changes whatever
please go the whole way
Bless all the dear children
In CQN´s tender care
And stop your aggression
cause you stepped in my snare
Hail HAil
Awe naw
Don’t you ever stop awenawing stuff :>)
HH
murdochbhoy
No point.
You appear lost forever.
MWD
TET
Three modified sentences and the removal of a surname.
and btw the guy on RTC that kicked up a fuss … that was me.
HAil Hail
Still grey, and a little more chilly here in North Ayrshire this morning.
Hope Stokes is fit for tomorrow.
I wouldnt be surprised to see Sami through the middle in a 4-5-1.I dont think Hooper is capable of playing as a main striker without a partner.He doesnt have the first touch, physique or game sense for it IMO.Sami has been doing his best work from left MF though.Neil says JF is tired and a tight hamstring,Brown may well play wide right in a 5. I know the 2 wide guys have been great last few weeks but ive a feeling this may change tomorrow.
This appeal is cynical.. Celtic will lose plot if McCulloch steals show
By KENNY CLARK
Published: Today
RANGERS would not be appealing Lee McCulloch’s red card if they still had a 12-point lead over Celtic.
Let’s just make that clear right away.
Have no doubts this is a cynical and disappointing exploitation of a festive loophole to make sure McCulloch can face Celtic tomorrow night.
Frankly, it underlines how much bigger a derby it’s become for Ally McCoist after the defeat to St Mirren.
That Rangers lead their bitter rivals by just a solitary point now, and are already without the other red-card sinner Dorin Goian, tells you everything you need to know about their appeal.
Personally, I don’t think they’ll care if they eventually have it rejected — as it should be — by the SFA next week. The bottom line is McCulloch is now free to play at Parkhead and against Motherwell on Monday. That’s all that really matters to them, in my mind.
We’re talking about Rangers’ actions — but only a fool would believe no other club would do the same if they were in a similar situation.
Rangers have sussed out the possibility and gone for it so it’s mission accomplished. They can’t appeal Goian’s dismissal as it was two yellows.
The need for McCulloch to be involved for the Celtic showdown was even greater.
Ref Steven McLean appeared perfectly placed to judge Saturday’s flashpoint with Graham Carey and he acted with conviction. Having seen McCulloch’s swinging arm I can only BACK the decision.
There’s a train of thought that because contact was not that severe it shouldn’t have been a red card but the impact factor is irrelevant.
It’s the INTENT that counts and there’s no doubt in my mind that McCulloch was looking to connect.
The ref will be consulted during the appeal process and asked if he now has a different view but I would be shocked if he changed his mind.
I couldn’t help but pick up on Steven Naismith’s opinion as he provided analysis for Sky Sports. He was asked after the game if he felt Rangers would appeal McCulloch’s sending off. Naismith said NO.
He said it was similar to his red-card offence earlier in the season at Dunfermline for an elbow on Austin McCann.
Naismith stated he took the decision on the chin, so to speak, and felt that the referee had been correct. So, there’s the contrast immediately and maybe McCoist won’t be best pleased with Naismith for his TV comments.
I don’t think for a minute Rangers will believe the McCulloch appeal will succeed.
Could the SFA come down on them even heavier if they deem this whole move ‘frivolous’? Possibly, but I’m not convinced they will go down that road.
However, if McCulloch does start against Celtic and plays a stormer — maybe even score a crucial goal — then Celtic fans will be livid he was allowed to be on the pitch.
It’s another uncomfortable position for the SFA to be in and I can’t say I’ve got too much sympathy for them.
That it’s due to public holidays allowing Rangers to be cynical is not good enough.
All that should be required is a brief conference call involving three of those many listed for appeals panel duty and a verdict to be established. Contingency plans should have been put in place.
Chief executive Stewart Regan has made great strides and worked hard to improve the SFA structure and how it operates. The revamped Fast Track disciplinary process is a big improvement on the past.
As we are seeing with the McCulloch situation there remain gaps to be plugged.
I am certain Regan will be of this mind for 2012 to make sure Rangers, and every other club, can’t be so cynical again.
Good morning fellow Celts from mild dry sooside
Goldcoasttom- c’mon mate there is no-one more deserving of a rip-take than jabba…and the item was clearly a total spoof :-)
Hope everyone enjoying the build-up to orc game- by no means is this a certain 3 points and has a towsy draw written all over it ably assisted by rampant mibbery
Love the rerurn to form of big sammi; was behind the goal for his 2nd and he looked the real deal finishing that one..linking well with ghoops btw!
We need two vic67’s on wed! Methinks Lenny will go for the ch option as he is the only player to handle their goal threat jellylegs.
Leaving us short in centre mid…so I expect to see izzy back at lb with Joe ledley joining beram and Broony in mid with jamesy wide right interchanging with Sammi in a free role
And ghoops up front playing the wee passing game to unravel their massed ranks
Charlie in beside vic67 with the impressive cha rampaging down their right after he has flattened lafferty!
Ki is benched for this one…sad to say ..unless izzy does not make it.
We are still missing a goalscorer with ariel option and that might cost us 3 points
Tho’ I will still have a guinea on 7-1..as ever ;-)
HH
M
Good morning friends from a (finally, at last) dry, calm and mild East Kilbride.
Just one more sleep….
Jobo
Moonbeam WD,
I’m not not lost, just ploughing my own furrow.
Hail Hail.
Murdochbhoy
Well. Let me know when you are finished then we’ll see if we can sort out something re. that sense of humour of yours.
MWD :o)
Morning all, haven’t posted in ages but been lurking away and lovin the discussions on the line up for tomorrow. Seems to be all about big vic… Centre back or midfield. For me it’s midfield, we need an experienced head to cover Jellylegs. ‘Problem’ is we’ve a team of youngsters. Charlie perhaps, he seems to keep his cool when under pressure. I’m sure he’ll keep jelly in place.
And about elbows blatant elbow to the face. That appeal is nothing but a way to get him into the game tomorrow (not that that was a secret). Fat Sally should hang his head in shame defending that thug.
REALLY hope wee forest is fit and gets on tomorrow. Lovin seeing the youngsters shining and would run rags around their more ‘experienced’ players.
Anywho Happy Christmas fholks and here’s to a skelping of immense proportions tomorrow.
Christmas High Five *
Ragers will pull off every dirty trick in there locker, such as the elbows appeal to win this game. We also have to be careful with the poor excuse for a Ref. who over compensates to try and prove he’s not biased towards Celtic.
We will have to play intelligent Football to win this game.
Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo @ 09.49
Classic mate, now I’ve been shown the light.
Gotta say I appreciated the bold print on the really funny bits.
SCOTT BROWN raised the Scottish Cup in May to secure his first silverware as Celtic skipper.
Here, the new father tells ROBERT GRIEVEFORHUN how he’d love to be facing old foe El Hadji Diouf tomorrow.
He also recalls wild days in Fife, bleak nights in Belarus and crazy antics at Lennoxtown.
ARGY BARGY. What’s the best punch-up you’ve seen? When I was 12 or 13 I played for a youth team in Fife called Fulford Royals. During one game something happened and all the parents and coaching staff started fighting in the middle of the pitch. It was mental. I can’t remember what happened to kick it all off, but there were punches thrown all over the place.
BENDER. What’s the biggest drinking session you’ve been on? There have been a few. The biggest was probably Paddy McCourt’s stag-do at the end of last season. There was a big crowd of us who went to the Algarve for a week and it was pretty much non-stop boozing.
CLINGFILM OVER THE TOILET SEAT. What is the best wind-up you’ve seen? I’ve seen loads of good pranks. I’ve covered people’s cars in clingfilm, smashed eggs and flour over people’s cars. At Hibs, Kevin Thomson destroyed Gary Caldwell’s clothes and trainers by cutting them up with scissors. The best laugh, though, was the day we tied Darren O’Dea to a physio chair and pushed him down the big hill at Lennoxtown. He couldn’t move his feet or arms and was totally helpless as we gave him a shove at the top and watched him career down to the bottom before landing in a heap. The best of it was that Gordon Strachan walked past us when we were doing it and just said ‘I’ll leave you to it’.
DUNCE. What were you like at school? I really was a dunce at school. I went to Cowdenbeath High and hated every minute of it. I couldn’t get out of there quickly enough. I did standard grades and my best mark was a 3 for maths and PE. You don’t want to know the rest.
EL HADJI DIOUF. What about your run-in with him? I wish he was still at Rangers. I enjoyed playing against him — it was quite easy. The way I look back on what happened between us is that it was a big waste of money on their behalf signing him in the first place. He wasn’t the best player but caused chaos for them and that’s about it.
FIZZY JUICE. Do you really go hyper when you drink some? Not any more. I’ve chilled out now. The story came out when I was with Scotland Under-21s and Maurice Malpas used to make sure I didn’t eat any chocolate or drink fizzy juice. I’d ask him for some and he’d just refuse. The other boys would slaughter me about it but he was probably right.
GIE’S PEACE. Which Celtic player never shuts up? None of the lads are too bad. The worst boy I’ve known for constantly talking is Ivan Sproule at Hibs. He’s the most non-stop, hyperactive person I’ve ever come across. From the moment he arrived in the morning, until the moment he walked out the door again, he’d just never shut up.
HELL ON EARTH. Where’s the worst place you’ve ever been? Belarus, without a doubt. I was there with Scotland and the place is a s****hole. I hardly slept because the bed was so small my legs dangled out the end. The facilities were shocking — and we were in a five-star hotel as well!
IDOL. Who was your hero growing up? Roy Keane was someone I loved watching. He drove the team on with a sheer will to win. He was a brilliant player, but I also thought it was great the way he was always in people’s faces.
JINGLE BELLS. What was your best Christmas present ever? I got a table tennis table a couple of years ago and I love that. It was my mum and dad who bought me it and it’s set up in my garage. I wouldn’t say I’m great, but I am getting better.
KARAOKE. What do you sing? No chance, I’m the worst singer in the world. I can’t hold a tune at all. Honestly, when we’re lining up for Scotland I don’t sing the words because my voice is so bad.
Old Firm cartoon
LENNON. What is your manager like before Old Firm games? He’s quite calm. He just goes round all the lads and has a quiet word. He then gets us going before we run out. People might think he goes mental, but he’s not like that. It’s the same with me. I’m usually quite relaxed and focused. I try and stay as chilled out as I’d be for any other game. If I was to get motivated too much I don’t think it would help anyone. It’s obviously different when we get out on the pitch because of the noise the supporters make. As captain I always say a few words in the huddle, but I’m pretty much wasting my breath because it’s maybe only the guys standing right beside me who can hear a word.
MENTAL What’s the most stupid thing you’ve done? That’s a difficult question because it’s quite a long list. Probably the daftest thing was when we were away with Scotland Under-21s and were allowed to have a night out after a game. I got so drunk I ended up crawling into the room, waking up Mark Wilson and being sick all over the bed. I’d been drinking tequila and was steaming. Thankfully Willo looked after me that night and made sure I was okay.
NAPPIES. How are you finding it being a dad? Great, I love it. My son Shay was born about six months ago and he’s brilliant. It’s obviously hard work getting up in the middle of the night and changing nappies, but I think I’m doing all right.
OLD FIRM. What do you think of Rangers? They are a strong team, but I think they’re just going to try and play the long ball against us and try to bully us again. This time, though, it’s not going to work. They played the second half of the last game like that and it came good for them, but we’ve learned our lesson.
POPCORN. Who would play you in a film? Jim Carrey. I love that guy, he’s the funniest man ever. Films like Liar Liar and Dumb and Dumber are top class.
QUICK FIX. What are you addicted to? Coffee. We were in Australia in the summer and Gary Hooper converted me into a coffee drinker. Now, every morning on my way to training, I stop at my local garage and get one for the journey.
ROOM-MATE. Who do you share with? I used to share with Chris Killen, but now I’m in with Jamesy Forrest. The wee man sleeps far too much and also leaves the room in a total mess.
SCOTLAND. What do you remember about your debut? It was against USA at Hampden and we drew 1-1, but I had a goal disallowed for offside when I was a yard on. That still gets to me. I was only 18. It was amazing just to be picked, but it would have been even better to score.
TAT. You have a tattoo dedicated to your sister Fiona, who sadly passed away. Is she a big inspiration? Yeah, her memory helps me get through life. I now live every day as though it’s my last. Losing her is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with.
UNBELIEVABLE. Tell us something we don’t know about you? I have unbelievable tekkers. Apart from that, I own a 21-foot boat. My wee brother Stewart and I go fishing on the Forth. We usually just catch shopping trolleys, but we love it.
VECTRA. What was your first car and what do you drive now? My first car was a Fiat Punto which I had until just before I left Hibs. I now have an Audi Q7.
WELDER. If you weren’t a footballer what would you be? I have no idea. It would need to be something to do with fitness.
XBOX. Are you into console games? Yeah, I play Call of Duty online. A few of the lads play each other, but Daryl Murphy is so good at it it’s ridiculous.
YOU’RE ON A DESERT ISLAND AND CAN TAKE THREE THINGS WITH YOU… I’d need a coffee machine, my golf clubs — and my boat.
ZZZZ. What bores you? Cricket. It’s not even a proper sport. They’ve a cheek to have a World Cup. What a complete waste of time.
Awe Naw
Magic :>)
Keep it up mi amigo.