Better late than never, they say. Well not if you’re one of the Hotline grouches who can see the gloom in any situation.
Sensational Scotland swept to the top of their Nations League section as they rocked past Ukraine at Hampden after John McGinn’s opener and a brace off the bench from Lyndon Dykes sealed a dominant victory. But for some, it was just a reminder of the failure by Steve Clarke and his team to get the job done when they met back in the summer in the World Cup play-offs.
Brian Keenan, Torquay, was first the first grumbler on the line, saying: “It’s a bit late in the day celebrating Scotland’s victory when it should have been done in the World Cup qualifiers. Clarke should have been sacked after that game when he put out the wrong team.” Celtic fan Eddie Easson, Ballingry , called in on a similar theme as he said: “Great result for Scotland last night as Clarke got it right this time. With a flat-back four, Scott McTominay in his best position we produced some fast-flowing football - dare I compare it to Ange-Ball!
“But why oh why wasn't this done earlier? Had Clarke set up like this back in June we could have been going to Qatar. Now the big but if is will Clarke revert back? You can never second guess him.”
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, at least showed a more optimistic outlook as he said: “Super sub Dykes fires Scotland to the top of the table with a double in the Nations League as they sink Ukraine at Hampden. Let’s hope they avoid defeat to the Irish and Ukraine in the return game, then it's time for Scotland to ‘McGinn’ looking out their passports to the Euros 2024!”
Kenny Wilson,Moffat, added: “Tremendous performance from Scotland, totally dominating the game for the whole 90 minutes, The final score really should have been 5 or 6-nil! The only downside to the night was the injury to Nathan Patterson, hopefully it’s not too serious. Let’s go now and revenge the 3-0 defeat from Ireland.”
Neil Renton, Edinburgh, also called in to say: "Yet again Lyndon Dykes proves his critics wrong with more goals for Scotland. It’s about time we appreciated the best striking talent we’ve had in years.”
But there’s no pleasing everyone. Alan Flett emailed in: ”Is it just me, or does anyone else agree that international football should be abolished? The international break has become a hindrance to the football calendar and the Nations League is a complete waste of time.
"To be brutally honest, I couldn’t care less if Scotland qualify for the big tournaments or not. The Champions League has become a better competition than the World Cup, and that’s where all the top players want to be.”
Meanwhile, Graeme Souness’ controversial comments over the Celtic supports’ anti-monarchy protests in Paisley at the weekend continued to draw calls. Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “Hotline callers who have likened the disgraceful scenes in Poland and Paisley to Rangers’ title-winning celebrations are well wide of the mark!
“Most of the Rangers supporters were rightfully arrested and the club were shamed in the media. The nameless cowards who have shamed Celtic go free to spread their bile. We are talking about a 96-year-old great grandmother here who gave 70 years service to this Country! Is 60 seconds of silence too much to ask?”
Hoops fan Jack Armstrong, Bathgate, said: “In reply to Mr Souness, as a Celtic supporter of 73 years of age I too found the banners and chanting tasteless and disrespectful and I hope my club does do something about it.
“But Mr Souness, I remember countless games when a certain support were shouting about the Pope and being knee deep in someone’s blood, so come down off your high horse mate and instead use your voice to condemn all sectarian and racial chants.”
READ NEXT
