The Scottish Premiership may be on pause, but the big talking points are far from quiet. Our panel weighs in on Martin O'Neill's future at Celtic, Sebastien Pocognoli's first Scotland starting line-up, Hibs' bold foreign appointment, and the early standout performers of the season.
Should Martin O'Neill remain Celtic boss?
Michael Gannon says it depends: "He should only return if he has no doubts and is fully fired up to turn this around and see out the season. He’s earned the right to make up his own mind but should be preparing for the next step."
Ryan McDonald believes yes, if the fight is still there. "The veteran has been written off after a torturous start to the campaign but is still two clear at the top. Yang, Jota and Alistair Johnston's imminent returns will inject quality into his squad but needs to find a functional system and stick with it."
Ross Pilcher takes a harder line: "They probably should have parted ways in the summer. He's endured a horror week and the man himself keeps casting doubt over whether he has the energy for this anymore. The timing for change might be right but whether the Celtic board have any sort of succession plan is another matter."
Fraser Wilson urges calm: "Unless he wants to step down then he should remain. Now is the time for cool heads and not panic at Celtic. It was a horrendous week. But that squad is more than capable of going on a domestic run and keeping their noses out in front. O’Neill has to bring some order back to his flaky side though."
Pocognoli's first Scotland XI vs Slovenia
With Sebastien Pocognoli's reign starting against Slovenia, our writers pick their starting XIs. Michael opts for new faces: "Gunn; Hickey; Welsh; Binks; Robertson; Gilmour; Ferguson; Miller; Gannon-Doak; McPake; McBurnie."
Ryan goes with: "Angus Gunn in goals. A back three of Stephen Welsh, Jack Hendry and Scott McKenna. Andy Robertson and Aaron Hickey deployed as wing-backs. Lewis Ferguson and Billy Gilmour as holding midfielders, with John McGinn and Ryan Christie playing off Oli McBurnie."
Ross names: "Gunn, Hickey, Hendry, McKenna, Robertson, Gilmour, Ferguson, McGinn, Doak, McPake, McBurnie." Fraser wants a blend: "Gunn; Hickey, Hendry, Binks, Robertson; Gilmour, Ferguson, McGinn, Miller, McPake, Bowie. And with Doak and Ure to come off the bench early in second half."
Is Marink Reedijk the right Hibs gamble?
Hibs have gone foreign for the first time in 18 years with the appointment of Marink Reedijk. Michael calls it "a bold move and certainly a departure from recent appointments. Like any gamble, it could be a huge success or a total failure but it’s worth having a bash."
Ryan points to pedigree: "The Dutchman's only 35 but comes with a decent pedigree after earning his stripes in Belgium. Neil Lennon would've been the safer option but Reedijk's attacking style of football fits Hibs' DNA and he's also a proven winner with Beveren. He ticks a lot of boxes."
Ross warns of risk: "Trying something different is to be commended but it is a big gamble. Reedijk is inexperienced and has never managed a top flight team. He can't bring his own players in until January and following the trend of young, foreign coaches is bound to result in diminishing returns at some point. He's a big job on his hands."
Fraser sees bravery: "It’s certainly a gamble but it was time to try something different. I thought Hibs might have had a nibble at John McGlynn to bring a fresh approach but fans wanted bold and you can’t say 35-year-old Reedijk isn’t a brave appointment. Hampden against Hearts in just five weeks’ time gives him the chance for instant hero status."
Premiership's early standouts
With the first chunk of the Premiership played, our writers name their standout players. Michael picks Camilo Duran: "The Celtic man hasn’t had the best of weeks but really looked the part in the opening fixtures and looks to have a high ceiling."
Ryan goes for Olwethu Makhanya: "Just like every striker in the top-flight, it's hard to look past Olwethu Makhanya. The bargain £3m signing is a Rolls-Royce of a defender. Rangers recruitment chiefs have taken a battering for their patchy record but they've unearthed a gem here."
Ross highlights Josh McPake: "Josh McPake has been excellent for Hearts since making the step up from St Johnstone while Rangers' Kim Minsu has impresed me every time I've seen him, especially when you consider he's only 20."
Fraser adds: "Olwethu Mekhanya looks like the dominant defender Rangers have craved for years and reads the game brilliantly. Camilo Duran has the x factor at Celtic. Josh McPake, Calvin Miller and Beau Reus have been excellent signings for Hearts. Special mention to 12-goal Kevin Nisbet at Aberdeen though."
