Premiership action returns after the World Cup qualifiers and the Record Sport team get stuck into the big issues
Hearts boss Derek McInnesWhat do you make of Russell Martin’s decision to keep Nico Raskin out of the Rangers squad?
CRAIG SWAN: If Martin feels he needs to take a stance, he’s doing the right thing for the long term. He surely can’t be leaving him out for the sake of it.
MICHAEL GANNON: Martin is under pressure and this doesn’t help, but it’s strong management to try to get Raskin to fall into line. The player will need to screw the nut or he’ll be stuck in the stands.
SCOTT McDERMOTT: You have to admire Martin for exerting his authority but I’d expect Raskin to be back in the squad for the cup game against Hibs next week. If Rangers don’t get a result against Hearts on Saturday, his omission will only infuriate the punters even more.
Are Celtic fans right to carry out their scheduled protest at Kilmarnock?
CRAIG: Celtic fans will want to make sure they are voicing their angst at those they feel is responsible for the issues. That’s the board. But they won’t want it to affect the team and that’s a juggling act.
MICHAEL: The Celtic fans are entitled to do what they want to get the attention of the club. It’s over to the Parkhead chiefs to show they are listening.
SCOTT: Within reason, fans have the right to do what they want when it comes to voicing their opinions on the club and how it’s being run. It’s their money the board is playing with. Whether the protests help or hinder the team remains to be seen.
Will Hearts get a positive result at Ibrox?
CRAIG: Hearts can make a real statement in their season if they manage a win at Ibrox, but leaving unbeaten will also represent a good result and that could easily happen.
MICHAEL: It’s long overdue and they won’t have a much better chance. It’s still a tall order and Rangers have players who can cause damage.
Hearts boss Derek McInnes
But Derek McInnes could go there will a plan to pick up a point and pile more pressure on Martin.
SCOTT: They’ll certainly fancy their chances given early season form. But I’ve just got a feeling Rangers will finally get off the mark in the league with a narrow victory over the Jambos.
How do rate Scotland’s World Cup qualification hopes after the opening two qualifiers?
CRAIG: Scotland have ticked a couple of key matches off the list. The Greece game next is absolutely crucial and a win there will put the squad in a great spot.
MICHAEL: We’ve got hope, and that’s all we can ask for after too many campaigns that have been nuked early on. Beat Greece at Hampden and then it’s game on.
SCOTT: It’s been a very decent start with four points from six. Any fan – as well as Steve Clarke – would have taken that. But the next game, at home to Greece in October, is absolutely pivotal in the group and one Scotland must win.