The Record Sport team have tackled the big issues in Scottish football after another weekend of bumper action, including the Rangers striker conundrum and the relegation threat facing Aberdeen and Hibs.
Celtic's win at Easter Road
Martin O'Neill described yesterday's victory at Easter Road as Celtic's best win of the season, but the panel were not all convinced. Andrew Newport found it "a tad odd given it's only a week since his side stuck seven past Hearts," though he acknowledged O'Neill was likely referring to the wild conditions. Keith Jackson saw it as the manager admitting his side was "pretty hopeless over 90 minutes in horrible conditions," noting Celtic cannot continue to underperform if they are to stay four points clear at the top.
Michael Gannon said it was probably one of the most satisfying wins given the weather and the European game on Thursday, but it was "more gritty than pretty" and Celtic could easily have thrown it away at the end. Ross Pilcher disagreed strongly, calling it "an incredible thing to say one week after beating Hearts 7-1," and added that Hibs were marginally on top in the second half.
Rangers' striking duo
With seven goals for the season for Ryan Naderi and four for Kevin Kelsy, the panel were asked if either could smash through the 20-goal barrier. Newport said they could if they play together, noting that Naderi looked lost on his own at Dens but the pair are "a right handful" as a partnership. Jackson said both should be looking to do exactly that, as they are sniffing out chances inside the six-yard box.
Gannon said that should be the target for any Rangers striker, and they won't go short of chances with the likes of Minsu around. Pilcher suggested they might not need to, especially with Lawrence Shankman's return to fitness providing another source of goals.
Hibs boss under scrutiny
Asked whether Marink Reedijk has walked into the wrong movie at Hibs, Newport said fans have every right to be concerned by the sight of Grant Hanley being thrown on up front in a desperate search for a late leveller, though it says more about the lack of options at Easter Road. Jackson said it is too early to say with certainty, but there has been "precious little sign of what the Dutchman is attempting to do."
Gannon said Reedijk needs time but it has not been a great start, calling the decision to chuck Hanley up front "wild from a guy who has a reputation of being a modern coach." Pilcher said there has been little to suggest he has had a positive impact or that Hibs look better off than under David Gray.
Aberdeen's form
With only 11 points from a possible 30, the panel were asked if Aberdeen are already doomed for a battle against the drop. Newport said it is still too early to say, but Stephen Robinson will be concerned by the side's habit of taking one step forward and two back after losing to Dundee United following a win over St Mirren. Jackson said the Pittodrie punters simply are not having Robinson, and he needs to make the top six.
Gannon said they should have enough to avoid being dragged into that kind of trouble, but they need to sort it out soon or it could be a miserable campaign toiling in the bottom half. Pilcher said they are not doomed already, but there is no sign of them putting together a run that will get them up the table.
