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James Tavernier's awkward Rangers situation gets the Jury treatment as Philippe Clement told he is making things WORSE

Rangers' James Tavernier as he is substituted
-Credit: (Image: SNS Group)


Celtic made it 31 points from 33 so far this season. Are they smashing through the 100 points barrier?

Keith Jackson: Yes - and some of us have been saying it from the start of the season. As tough as Kilmarnock made it for them yesterday - and as well as Aberdeen have done so far - the champions are miles ahead of the rest of the top flight and will compile the kind of tally which proves it.

Craig Swan: With the depth and talent in their squad, it is hard to say they won't do it because they are consistent and can find different ways to win. Brendan Rodgers will have his own private targets and that might be one of them.

Michael Gannon: You wouldn’t bet against it. Celtic have got in to that handy knack of being able to win when they are not at their best. They will take some stopping.

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Fraser Wilson: Easy. This is the best Celtic squad in two decades and they are showing it. It wouldn’t surprise me to see them go unbeaten at this rate.

James Tavernier was Rangers' third choice in Athens but back in the starting XI last night. Is Clement making a difficult situation even worse?

Keith Jackson: Absolutely. Clement should make a decision and stick with it. And he should be doing so with one eye on next month’s League Cup Final and the prospect of attempting to deal with Daizen Maeda.

Craig Swan: Clement has said he is going to rotate and make changes to try and keep bodies fresh and it makes sense in some respects. Maybe this is the template. Tavernier can't play all the time and using him sparingly may help his displays.

Michael Gannon: It does seem strange and the fact he’s captain makes it more awkward. Clement needs to decide who is his main man and stick with him as it does none of them any favours.

Fraser Wilson: He’ll argue he’s keeping players fresh. But Tavernier looks devoid of confidence while Dujon Sterling and Neraysho Kasanwirjo need games. He needs to settle on his first choice backline.

Are Aberdeen going to finish second this season?

Keith Jackson: That probably depends on how long Rangers stick with Philippe Clement and how much more damage is done in the meantime. But as things stand, yes, Aberdeen are the second best side in the country.

Craig Swan: Big call. The Dons are moving in the right direction, but Rangers may still pip them for the runners-up spot once Europe is out of the way.

Michael Gannon: That was a seriously big win on the back of their Hampden mauling and it proves Aberdeen are the real deal. They don’t have to deal with the squad stretching exertions of European football so could come out the winter in a really strong position. Second is a real possibility.

Fraser Wilson: With the head start their sensational form has given them, it’s hard to say no. Aberdeen have squad depth and a management team who clearly know how to utilise it. Celtic look too strong for there to be a serious Pittodrie title push in the latter stages but they look favourites for second spot which would be a fantastic return.

Another horror show for Hibs at the weekend. Is it time to pull the trigger on David Gray?

Keith Jackson: Everyone knows Gray is a symptom of the club’s problems rather than the cause. But, regardless of the shambles above him, the results and performances on the pitch have reached an unacceptable level. Sadly, it’s hard to see how he survives.

Craig Swan: Hibs were atrocious in the first period against St Mirren. The issues at Easter Road go higher than the manager, but Gray is toiling.

Michael Gannon: Gray is right in the muck but at some point the penny needs to drop and folk realise the problems at Hibs go way beyond the manager’s office. The Easter Road hierarchy are the ones to blame for this mess but it’s the manager who’ll inevitably carry the can.

Fraser Wilson: In the harsh world of football then results suggest it is but 17 games is no time for any rookie boss. Showing faith would maybe pay off long term and avoid another overhaul. If they did pull the trigger then how could those holding the gun survive a fifth sacking in under three years? The problems lie far deeper than the man in the dug out.