Reason to hope for the remaining fixtures

The anticipated return to action of Reo Hatate is a reminder of the dangers with international breaks, which starkly contrasts to this particular break.  Reo has been out injured since being on Asian Cup duty with Japan in January.  He is now at Lennoxtown, with Kyogo (out of the international picture, bizarrely) and Daizen Maeda (as Japan’s game against North Korea was cancelled).

Callum McGregor is my regular concern at these times, but the captain misses out, another recuperating, as is Cameron Carter-Vickers, who was omitted from the USA squad by agreement.  So too is CCV’s central defensive partner, Liam Scales.

Alistair Johnston came through Canada’s win over Trinidad & Tobago at the weekend, leaving Brendan Rodgers with the rarest weeks to train, practice and build fitness among his regular starters.

This is normal for many Premiership clubs during international breaks.  Players who need rest, get it, those who would benefit from endurance or fitness training, can indulge.  If you are looking for positive indications for the remaining figures, this is it.

Eurochamps67, Alex McKillop’s Funeral Mass is at St Peter’s Hamilton (ML3 8LL) at 10:00 on Wednesday 3 April, an hour later at South Lanarkshire Crematorium (G72 0TL) and thereafter at Carrigan’s in Blantyre (G72 9RN).  Alex made friends on here for close to 20 years, I know many will be there next week.