Celtic supporters are predicting a £50m spending spree and a run to the Champions League quarter-finals, with Martin O'Neill's summer overhaul sparking optimism despite the club being just weeks removed from friendlies in a barren home stadium.
Fans predict continental success
Eddie Blanchard from Inchinnan is among those expecting a deep run in Europe's elite competition. "I am certain we are witnessing a brilliant era for the biggest team in the country. Celtic won't only beat LASK, they will batter them and I reckon Martin O'Neill will bring back Fortress Paradise and we'll make it all the way to the quarter finals," he said.
He added: "English football is eating European football and we'll be the beneficiaries. I also reckon a our spending will clear £50m smackers, oh it's a good time to be a Celts fan and we are only getting started. I think we might even win this title in February, the rest can't lace our boots."
Tounekti's impact and cup draw debate
Sebastian Tounekti's recent performance drew praise, but Stephen Mulhern from Dumbarton warned of a tough battle for a starting spot. He said: "It was ironic that Sebastian Tounekti turned in his best performance in a hoops shirt just as Hassan will cement his position in the future. The quote from the Forrest Gump movie life is like a box of chocolates you never know what you’re gonna get sums up Tounekti perfectly but I believe he will have the same influence coming off the bench that Iheanacho had last season."
The latest home cup tie for Rangers, against rivals Celtic, also sparked reaction. Kenny Wilson from Moffat said: "Some things in life are guaranteed like death taxes and Rangers being drawn at home in the cup competitions. I think the last time they were drawn away Tony Blair was Prime Minister and to think the fans say Celtic run Scottish football."
Referee claims and SFA appointment
Claims over penalties and referees led to heated debate. John Caw emailed: "For a Rangers man Chris Lowe spends a lot of time watching Celtic when he can spot everything they seem to get away with. whilst he’s watching Celtic, Rangers are getting away with murder at Ibrox. Fernandes should have been sent off for one. That’s only one game."
Derek Cormack emailed: "Both Chris Lowe and Willie Mercer need to revisit the IFAB rules regarding hand ball in the box, and Willie Mercer claims Hogh's handball was completely ignored by VAR, it was checked by VAR and they agreed with the on-field refs decision. They really need to stop the continuations of hysterics from last season regarding Celtic."
Meanwhile, the SFA's appointment of Sebastien Pocognoli as Scotland manager was met with positivity. Paul McCormack from Coatbridge said: "Hats off to the SFA for coming away from the tried and trusted stuffy safe appointments and trying something new. The new appointment of a young foreign progressive coach can hopefully infuse energy into what looked like a really tired weary group, who despite qualifying for tournaments & playing week in week out in at the very top level for many of the squad, massively underachieved individually & collectively."
Hearts' European progress
Hearts are targeting a big result against Rapid Vienna, with one fan citing their improvement against Benfica as a reason to start the domestic campaign earlier. Charles Maxwell emailed: "Congratulations to Hearts for a spirited one each draw with the team that gubbed them 6-1. It just goes to show what a difference a week can make. Was this the perfect example of why we should start our own domestic campaign earlier?"
