Rangers supporters are brimming with confidence thanks to the influx of seven summer signings and a pre-season win over West Ham followed by a narrow defeat to Spurs.
But there’s still concern over two strikers who have yet to feature in pre-season with Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe still sidelined by injury. Roofe has been the subject of loan interest from Sheffield Wednesday and Derby according to reports south of the border.
But Jimmy Mac, Glasgow, said: “ Rangers can’t consider loaning out Roofe after what happened last season. Both he and Morelos were out injured which meant we didn't have a striker for European and league games. Both the title and Europa League final could have had different outcomes if either or both were fit. Roofe scored 17 goals last season even though often out through injuries and those stats alone should be enough to convince Gio Van Bronckhorst that he has a vital role to play for the Gers this season.”
Meanwhile Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, had a warning for Morelos: “Why so quiet on Alfredo Morelos? He must either sign an extension or move out. If Colombia were playing next week I think he would be back! We’ve done pretty well without him and are tired of tweets of his private life. So if he wants to play for the famous Glasgow Rangers he must sign on the dotted line pronto.”
Bluenose George Wilson, West Sussex, has no concerns though. He said: “It’s obvious that Celtic supporters are running scared of skint Rangers seven new signings and their own poor transfer window where they’ve spent millions to basically stay the same. Celtic have signed nobody of note and Rangers will be further boosted if they hang on to Morelos and Kent.”
Joe Graham, Garrowhill, added: “Great pre-season build-up for Rangers by playing two of the best EPL teams in West Ham and Tottenham. Winning one and holding their own in the one they lost. The new signings look good against top opposition and Livingston’s David Martindale must be cringing at the thought of being the first to come up against this fast forward Rangers side. Qualifying for the Champions League group stage is important but the priority must be to deliver title 56 this season with no more dropping stupid points as they did last season.”
Alan McGaw, Alloa, said; “Spurs showed their class especially Harry Kane with his two strikes and with a full house watching Gio played what could be the starting line up v Livingston. Some good play from the new signings especially Rabbi Matondo and Tom Lawrence with Antonio Colak doing well up front.”
However Jack Armstrong, Bathgate, joked: “When Rangers beat West Ham they said West Ham were blown away. Well it looks as if Rangers were blown away by a HurriKane against Spurs - it could have been five or six easily.”
Celtic completed their preparations with a 2-0 win over Norwich at Parkhead on Saturday.
But Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “While I don’t believe friendlies are a great guide for the season to come having watched Celtic I still feel the defence is going to be a problem for us especially in Europe. Although Norwich never scored they had several chances and got through our defence far too easy. Hopefully this will be sorted and I’m hoping Stephen Welsh won’t be starting as he simply ain’t good enough.”
Arrin Geddes, Irvine, said: “Rangers have added plenty to their squad while losing their best two players from last season but it remains to be seen how many of them work out. The champions have strengthened where needed and Matt O’Riley will be the standout this season. I’m looking forward to ‘Ange Who? Part 2’.”
Henry Moffat, Stirling, added: “So we’re rattled over Rangers signings? Yeah ok, Sheffield United fans couldn’t wait to get shot of Ben Davies after a string of dodgy performances. Ridvan Yilmaz is okay going forward but wide open defensively and easily outmuscled. And Rabbi Matondo and Tom Lawrence are both notorious one good game in five players.”
Meanwhile Alfie Mullin, London, had a message for Aberdeen fan Alan Brand. Alfie said: “Alan reckons Rangers and Celtic should be afraid because Aberdeen are on their way back as they've been scoring for fun and conceding nothing. He forgets to mention they've played nobody of note so far. Still, it makes a change from getting dumped out of cups, on a regular basis I may add, by lower league teams.”
And Kevin Lord, Drylaw, said: “Hibs have played 100 minutes of good football so far - the first half hour v Clyde and most of the Norwich game after 30 mins. The denominator is that Aiden McGeady never played any of these minutes. He's a massive disruption to a young squad trying to enjoy their football.”
