The Record Sport team has tackled the big talking points from a blockbuster weekend of Scottish football action, including Kasper Hogh's ongoing goal drought at Celtic and Lawrence Shankland's fight to reclaim his Rangers place.
Hogh under pressure at Celtic
Kasper Hogh bagged an assist but it's now eight games without a goal for Celtic, prompting questions over whether Camilo Duran deserves a proper run as the club's central striker.
Keith Jackson said Hogh's performance was the one big negative from the emphatic win at Fir Park. "The big man looks like a player whose confidence is shot to pieces and, yes, it might be time to take him out of the firing line on Thursday night to let Duran lead the attack."
Andy Newport was surprised to see him start at Fir Park at all. "He cost a pretty penny at £11million but simply doesn't do enough inside or outside of the box to justify shunting the far more dangerous looking Duran out wide."
Scott Burns noted the price means Celtic will persist with Hogh, but "he doesn't look sharp or confident. He will need to start firing if Celtic want to retain their title. Duran, however, looks a far more dangerous proposition." Ryan McDonald added that while Hogh works his socks off, "at £11m his goal drought is a major concern," and suggested Chelsea wonderkid Shin Mheuka may feel he's due a run of games up front.
Shankland's Rangers return
Ryan Naderi scored another two goals and Kevin Kelsy added one, raising the question of whether Lawrence Shankland should be worried about reclaiming his Rangers place when fit.
Keith Jackson said Shankland "will have a fight on his hands if this partnership continues to improve. But that's the way it should be. Shankland is still the most natural and clinical finisher at Ibrox." Andy Newport noted Shankland will have a big part to play once he's back from hamstring surgery, but Derek McInnes made clear the skipper wouldn't play every game.
Scott Burns said Shankland is "the Rangers captain. He is a natural goalscorer and his manager loves him, so there will always be a place for Shankland. He is also still their best finisher." Ryan McDonald added: "The twin giants are bulldozing their way through Premiership defences and forging a lethal partnership. Shankland might be the skipper, but he won't walk straight back into the team when he's fit."
Hearts' title credentials and Hibs' struggles
Hearts put on a five-star show against St Mirren, but the panel is split on whether they are title contenders under Woulter Vrancken. Keith Jackson said "probably not," suggesting third place would represent another terrific campaign under Tony Bloom's ten-year plan. Andy Newport said we'll be better placed to judge after next weekend's trip to Celtic Park, while Scott Burns noted the big challenge comes with European games. Ryan McDonald pointed out Hearts are the league's top scorers but "didn't have Europe to contend with last season and juggling the Thursday-Sunday schedule is a different ball game."
Marink Reedijk's first game as Hibs boss ended in defeat at Tannadice, prompting questions over a relegation fight. Keith Jackson dismissed the idea, noting Hibs are only three points off the top six. Andy Newport said they should be too strong to go down but might have a fight to reach the top six. Scott Burns said Hibs have too much quality to be dragged into that scenario, while Ryan McDonald warned they are just two points clear of the bottom spot and "no club is too big to go down."
