Celtic have learned they will face Austrian outfit LASK in the play-off round for a place in the Champions League group stage, with the tie less than three weeks away. However, supporters are increasingly concerned that a lack of transfer activity could cost them a spot among Europe's elite for a second consecutive year.
The Hoops have spent £17million on strikers Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh but have been frustrated in attempts to sign other key targets, including Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur and Frosinone star Fares Ghedjemis.
Fans demand answers
Paul Price, Glasgow, called into say: "We are now in the last month of the transfer window. And yet again, us of a Celtic persuasion find ourselves in the same old situation. The lack of activity bringing in signings and allowing them time to gel and fit into the team is bad business! Yet when it comes to shipping out prized players, there is no issues whatsoever! It really does beg the question, are the fans being led a merry dance? The lack of transparency at Celtic Park is hard to stomach."
David Beattie, Rothesay, added: "Really head-scratching stuff from Martin O'Neill saying that he's no plans to bring in a new centre half. Scales, Murray, Trusty and Ralston are squad players at best. This is why Celtic are regressing over the last couple of years when you have these players as first picks. Even Cameron Carter Vickers has ongoing injury issues. He (O'Neill) should be looking for not one but two top class centre halves. I really hope this is a senior moment from Martin."
Rangers fall-out continues
Elsewhere, the fall-out continues from Old Firm rivals Rangers dropping two points away to Dundee United in Derek McInnes' first game in the dugout. Hotline callers remain divided on its implications. Scott McAdam, Glasgow, emailed to say: "Once again Rangers falter. Its the same old, same old. McInnes is bang average manager, he's had umpteen chances to win titles and cups and not taken them. It looks like the usual, delusional Rangers fans on the Hotline have done a runner again. One game one or bad result and they're off. Some fans."
The Light Blues face Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok away from home in the Europa League third qualifying round on Thursday, where Larne of Northern Ireland or Saburtalo of Georgia await them in the play-offs. Peter Cooperwhite insists the magnitude of the occasion is huge for the new Ibrox boss. He said: "If Derek McInnes thinks Friday night was a big shock, well, Derek, Thursday night in my opinion is the biggest game you've ever had in years. We all know how well you did with Hearts last season but boy oh boy do you ever need a win as much as anything else a draw. Not just to be bad going back to Ibrox next week, but a win to get back on track."
But Alan Flett is far more optimistic about his team. He stated: "Rangers fans, get a grip! Friday night wasn't great but it's one game. We would of lost that game last season, and Aasgaard is, at last, looking the part. He's the most gifted player in the league and, if he's firing, all we need is some pace and skill on the flanks and we'll be fine."
And that's a sentiment shared by Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, who said: "It appears that the script has already been written after Rangers' 1-1 draw at Tannadice on Friday. Sack McInnes, get rid of most of the players and concede any trophy involvement for the season. Just slow it down. Not only is it an insult to Dundee United but to already write off Rangers is unbelievable. Those early quotes are noted and will be replayed later in the season."
Tribute to Bud Hay
Finally, thoughts are with Linda Hay and her family, following the sad news that her husband and regular Hotline caller Bud Hay has passed away. She wrote: "Good morning, just to let you that a frequent Hotliner passed away last week, my husband Bud Hay. I was just wondering if you could place something in your paper please. It was all good bante and he was well known in Dumfries for stirring up a laugh. You'll Never Walk Alone."
