Rangers Title Favourites Under McInnes? Hearts Replacement Options Discussed
Rangers Title Status Under McInnes; Hearts Replacement Options

The Record Sport writers have been deliberating on Scotland's World Cup chances after their 1-0 win over Haiti, as well as which upcoming test is more daunting. Meanwhile, Rangers' title status under Derek McInnes is a topic of debate, and Hearts are considering a big-name replacement for their outgoing manager.

Will Scotland's 1-0 win over Haiti be enough to get out of Group C?

Ross Pilcher: There's a nagging fear that it might not be. We can't rely on other third-place teams to only win by one, and keeping our goal difference down isn't the ideal approach. Another point might be needed.

Craig Swan: There's a good chance that it might be given a number of third-placed sides will progress.

Robbie Copeland: As long as we avoid a hammering in the other two games, it gives us a fighting chance. But I'd rather not be relying on those three points alone, put it that way!

Will Morocco present a tougher challenge than Brazil?

Ross: On the evidence of their game, yes. Morocco are a serious team and Ayyoub Bouaddi looks like a special player.

Craig: That is highly possible. Their movement and fluency was excellent against Brazil in stages, and they have skilled players.

Robbie: Brazil are a hard one to pin down – if Vini and Raphinha are anything close to at their best, they'll blow anyone away. Morocco though are a far more solid and consistent unit, and there's a very real chance that will be our toughest game at the tournament.

Are Rangers title favourites with Derek McInnes in charge?

Ross: Maybe, although it's more the fact they've added Lawrence Shankland to play under him that could really make a difference.

Craig: No. Celtic will remain favourites for the title until sustained evidence on the pitch suggests otherwise.

Robbie: They've landed the best domestic manager from last season and the best striker in the country, and it's only the middle of June. I'd still make Celtic favourites, but after a quick glance at the odds, Rangers may well be the smart bet.

Who should Hearts replace Derek McInnes with?

Ross: Whoever Jamestown Analytics rates the highest. As for a name, candidates could come from anywhere with the way Hearts are doing things now.

Craig: Impossible to just yank a name out of the hat. Jamestown will no doubt have a plan for a successor.

Robbie: There are two high-performing domestic managers with strong links to the club in John McGlynn and Stephen Pressley. But you get the sense their Jamestown-driven recruitment will lead them further afield. Jon Dahl Tomasson is out of work with a decent CV behind him, and you'd imagine he ticks a few of the right boxes data-wise.