New arrival Amad Diallo has signed up to become the latest loan Ranger - but it’s the Hotline going Tonto over the Manchester United ace’s Ibrox move.
While the blue half of Glasgow are getting excited about the signing of a player who could eventually end up costing the Red Devils a hefty fee just shy of £40million, the Hoops faithful are questioning why their bitter rivals are looking for a quick fix loan.
First up to start the squabbling off was Gavin MacLeod, Renfrew, who said: “This lad is just what we need after losing Ianis Hagi.
“He hasn’t played much at Old Trafford but by all accounts is rated extremely highly, which is backed up by the price tag it cost them when he moved from Atalanta.
“If he can show any of that potential at Ibrox I can’t see us being caught in the chase for 56.”
Frank McFerran, Carrickfergus, added: “As a Rangers fan I can see we need to freshen up the team and I hope Diallo is the player to do that. He hasn’t broken much ice at Manchester United and is very inexperienced at 19 years old. But for United to pay £20 million plus, the boy must have it.”
But Hoops fan John Robertson asked: “Why are Rangers going in for loan signings when they got £12million for Nathan Patterson - or was this a white lie to the supporters again?”
Joe Graham, Garrowhill, reckons Gers should be looking to their own youth ranks to replace the injured Hagi, saying: “Giovanni van Bronckhorst was quoted saying he will need a replacement in this transfer window for the injured Ianis Hagi. He’s brought in Amad Diallo but I still think young Alex Lowry has a big role to play as he’s been tremendous in his two games so far.
“He looks a ready-made winner. Young and raring to go. A bright future ahead for the boy who can contribute to winning title 56 this season.”
Paul Jenkins, Shieldhill, agreed after watching Lowry make his first start against Livingston.
He said: “Another standout performance from young Alex Lowry last night. We’ve had Billy Gilmour and Nathan Paterson come through the academy and now there’s Alex Lowry and Leon King coming along. It’s great to see young talent emerging from Auchenhowie. It’s also great for the Scottish National team.”
Celtic blew Hearts away with a stunning first 45 minutes at Tynecastle on Wednesday - but David Bryce, Troon, was concerned to see his team gasping as they held off a Gorgie fightback after the break.
He said: “Serious questions have to be asked about the fitness of Celtic’s players!
“I find it unbelievable that they can look so good for 60 minutes and then totally run out of steam. They have just had a three-week break!
“This cannot continue because once we start facing good sides, we will pay for it big time!
“On a side note I think it’s a disgrace how often Rangers sign players on loan. They hardly ever buy players now and this is why hardly any young talent is coming through at Ibrox!”
Jimmy Murray, Edinburgh, added: “Why are Celtic players out on their feet after an hour of every game. We all know there is no coaching at the club so what are John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan doing during the week? Can’t they even get the players fit? Get in a professional coaching team and get rid of these two. Am I the only one wanting rid of these impostors?”
But Gerry Milligan, Erskine, reckons the Parkhead side are primed to go the distance.
He said: “With the Celtic squad getting stronger, Ange Postecoglou will have some selection posers for a while to come. He can't play both Josip Juranovic and Tony Ralston at the same time. Kyogo Furuhashi might get more pressure off now Giorgos Giakoumakis and Daizen Maeda can provide back-up. And will David Turnbull find a way back in past Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley?”
But Hibs fan Ian Urquhart believes Shaun Maloney needs to make a quick decision on his attacking line-up.
He said: “With Hibs getting good money for Martin Boyle it's about time they spent a good bit of the money on a striker who can actually score goals. Kevin Nisbet tries but sadly he's not clinical in front of goal and we desperately need a proven front man.”
