No need for Celtic transfer panic yet as Rangers get unanimous Jury verdict with Panathinaikos predictions

Daily Record

5 hours ago

Our Record Sport quartet debate four big questions in Scottish football from European action to transfers ahead of the big kick-off
Do you fancy Rangers to come through against Panathinaikos?
KEITH JACKSON: A two goal start from the first leg certainly gives Russell Martin and his men a bit of breathing space in scorching Athens but the job is only half done. It could be a long night on Wednesday and especially if the Greeks score early. But if Rangers strike first they could take the sting out of a potentially tricky tie.
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CRAIG SWAN: The two-goal cushion earned at Ibrox is priceless and, provided they can see off an expected early thrust from the Greeks, it should be a big enough buffer.
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GRAEME YOUNG: Yes. Their current fragility is cancelled out by their willingness to go for the jugular. Russell Martin won't camp in and they are a threat on the break and that will see them through.
MICHAEL GANNON: Rangers can finish the job but it won't be a comfortable night. The Greeks have to go for it and there will be opportunities on the break.
Where are Celtic placed heading into the new campaign?
KEITH: With some serious work still to do in the transfer market. Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kuhn have gone without being adequately replaced and Jota will be on a treatment table for the rest of this year. As things stand Brendan Rodgers has every right to make demands of his board.
CRAIG: The start of the season and the end of the transfer window are two different places. The squad will be stronger by August 31. But it's not fully equipped yet and getting through the Champions League qualifier is vital.
GRAEME: The mood music over transfers has been brooding but the product on the pitch has been harmonious bar the gaffe-filled second half against Ajax. Benjamin Nygren appears capable of a Matt O'Riley impact. If they get their marquee signs right then all will be well.
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MICHAEL: With a strong squad in a lot of places and gaps in others. Brendan Rodgers knows he's short of attackers but there's time to fill in the blanks.
Can Hearts make a genuine push to split the Old Firm under Derek McInnes?
KEITH: That's precisely what Derek McInnes will be hoping to achieve. With Rangers going through another summer of transition and Celtic slow off the blocks in the market he'll believe there is an opportunity for Hearts to lay down a meaningful early marker. With no European football to distract them and Tony Bloom's financial muscle, why can't they get involved in the argument?
CRAIG: They can make a push towards it, but it's a tall order for the new manager to actually do it in his first season at the club. It's a building job. Derek McInnes should be afforded patience on that front.
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GRAEME: It will be tough. Odds of 16/1 for title glory appear bookie bait but Hearts boast a criminally underrated manager who is embracing a brave new dawn. The computer says yes in the coming years but finishing third has to be the main target.
MICHAEL: Hearts should be ambitious but it's tough to take on the big two. It the Jambos finish third it's a good achievement.
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Who is best equipped to make a splash in the Premiership of the promoted sides, Falkirk or Livingston?
KEITH: Falkirk have been catching the eye for some time on their journey up through the leagues. Fingers crossed they'll be a breath of fresh air now they're finally back in the top flight.
CRAIG: Tough call. John McGlynn has a vibrant young team and David Martindale is a maestro at Livi. Perhaps both can, but it's going to be some scrap again at the bottom.
GRAEME: Falkirk, John McGlynn has the air of an accidental hero about him but there's nothing lucky about his success with the Bairns. Their willingness to play their own daring way will once again yield results.
MICHAEL: Livingston will be back like they were never away and as tough as ever, especially at home. Falkirk will surprise a few teams and don't bet against them staying up.