The Record Sport team has weighed in on the four biggest issues in Scottish football right now, from dressing room unrest at Celtic to the SFA's stance on the Old Firm ticket ban.
Celtic's Dressing Room Concerns
Martin O'Neill faces questions over whether he has a problem with key Celtic players voicing concerns about tactics and team selections. Michael Gannon believes O'Neill should be concerned, noting that big players like Callum McGregor and Cameron Carter-Vickers were only calling it as they see it, and fans can see it as well.
Andy Newport pointed out that none of the noises coming out of Parkhead hint at a happy camp. While the Hoops are still sitting top of the table, there is a fear that things could unravel if glaring deficiencies aren't addressed. Mark Pirie added that O'Neill shouldn't be concerned about the comments being voiced in public, but rather that his message isn't getting across in the dressing room, a situation that has to change quickly or more leaders will break rank.
Makhanya's Character Question
After Rangers' draw with Hearts, Olwethu Makhanya questioned some of his teammates' character. Michael called it a daft thing to say in the heat of the moment after his team fought back to grab a point, noting the manager probably had a quiet word in his ear. Makhanya has been outstanding but is still learning what it means to represent Rangers off the pitch.
Andy described it as a clunky expression spoken with adrenaline still pumping, adding the South African could have picked his words better but was entirely correct to call out the lack of intensity shown. Rangers were poor on the night and lucky to snatch a point. Mark agreed, saying questioning teammates' character minutes after rescuing a point seems a bizarre choice of words, but Rangers were lucky to get away with a draw.
Robinson's Aberdeen Future
Stephen Robinson's position at Aberdeen is under scrutiny after a loss to Falkirk. Michael said he's right up against it and looked a bit of a beaten man, with the Premier Sports Cup semi against Rangers potentially being the spark or the beginning of the end for Robinson at Pittodrie.
Andy noted Robinson has that 100-yard stare often seen in managers who know their time is up, and while beating Rangers would provide a lifeline, recent form suggests that looks a long shot. Mark added that Robinson looked like a beaten man in his Falkirk post-match press conference, and defeat at Hampden could be the breaking point, with a result against Rangers possibly not even enough to win over his detractors.
SFA's Ticket Ban Stance
The SFA has stuck to its guns over the Old Firm Scottish Cup ticket ban. Michael said the clubs can argue about who was more to blame for the Ibrox scenes, but both could do with being clamped to send a message that this kind of behaviour is not on. He hopes they land big home ties in the cup and lessons might be learned.
Andy agreed, saying neither side came away from that ugly afternoon with any credit, and a strong message is needed to ram home that this behaviour can't be tolerated. Mark added that a firm stance had to be taken and the SFA could not be seen to back down, with the punishment drawing a line in the sand going forward.
