Scotland are hoping to claim a back-door route to Euro 2024 as Steve Clarke's side kick-off their Nations League bid.
But the Hotline callers are still trying to get a handle on last week’s missed World Cup window of opportunity.
Ahead of Wednesday evening’s Armenia showdown at Hampden, Scott Davidson said: “I can’t understand how the players can have any enthusiasm for these Nations League fixtures right now.
“I understand it was this competition that allowed us to qualify for the Euros last summer but I just feel so flat after that Ukraine defeat and can only imagine the team does too.
“It wound’t surprise me if Hampden is half-empty. It’s ridiculous that UEFA is making the fans cough up for so many games this month.”
Gerry Milligan, Erskine, agreed as he added: “I had no idea Scotland had a Nations League match so soon after last week. I can’t see this competition lasting. It should never have been introduced, these guys just want to be in Florida or the Maldives and the only thing that’s guaranteed is that Steve Clarke will field a line-up with loads of changes.”
Last week’s Ukraine defeat came as no shock to Jake Curley, Edinburgh, who said: “I have watched Scotland for over 55 years. In that time they’ve had two decent performances - England in 1967 and against Holland at the 1978 World Cup.
“They have never delivered. They’re the only home nation who have never made it out of the group stages in any major tournaments, yet the press, media and ex-players still big them up.
“This golden generation stuff is pap. They have been and always will be brass-neck plodders who crunch tackles while running themselves into the ground, yet never getting anywhere.”
Clarke has come under fire for his tactics and team selection last week and Hoops fan Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, said: “When I think Celtic could have went for Steve Clarke it just makes me so grateful we ended up appointing Ange Postecoglou instead.”
The Tartan Army may still be reeling from their Ukraine disappointment but Celtic supporter Henry Moffat, Stirling, was more interested in sticking the boot into his side’s Old Firm rivals.
He said: “ Rangers fans and pundit can kid on all they want that their season wasn't a disaster. But at the end of the day, the champions will be lying on the beach resting while they slug it out for four weeks in the Champions League qualifiers. They can dream of deluded transfer fees for players that like all the rest will never happen.”
But Gers fan Hugh Gallagher, Glasgow, was upset matters at Ibrox seem to be stuck on the mind of yesterday’s caller Tam Williamson, saying: “In reply to Tam Williamson, I agree that Ukraine were harshly dealt with in regards to the VAR penalty decision against Wales but why did he feel the need to bring Rangers in to his thoughts?
“All the VAR decisions in the Rangers games were proved to be correct, just another Rangers-obsessed Celtic supporter, how sad.”
Fellow bluenose John Bruce took a pop at SPFL chief Neil Doncaster after he hailed last year’s attendance figures across Scotland, saying: “You can always rely on invisible man, Neil Doncaster, re-appearing whenever there is an opportune moment to push himself in to the limelight.
“This time, for announcing that SPFL attendances have broken the four million barrier, across the four leagues.
“When you take Rangers sell-out home attendances of 50,000 twice every month, plus sell-out European attendances of 50,000 almost every month, you can see that this one team alone takes a sizeable chunk out of Mr Doncaster's headline figure.
“No doubt we will shortly be hearing of the chief executive receiving a large bonus, as a reward for such an incredible achievement.”
Aberdeen fan Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, is encouraged by the transfer rumours coming out of the Granite City: “I’m delighted to hear the Dons are trying to sign Liam Scales from Celtic.
“The boy can play left centre-back or left-back and would be an excellent replacement for Andy Considine. Hopefully Charles Dunne can be added as well as Jamie McGrath.”
