Rangers told three truths over Kevin Muscat wait as Jury settle burning Kieran Tierney debate
The major issues in Scottish football have been put under the microscope by the Record Sport team
Can Rangers afford to wait until November for Kevin Muscat?
Craig Swan: Rangers had to get this appointment correct. If it means holding on for some extra games, so be it. This is about the next few years at Ibrox, not the next few weeks.
Ryan McDonald: Yes. Rangers can’t continue sacking managers during every other international break. Kevin Muscat should’ve been appointed before Philippe Clement. If Ibrox chiefs truly believe he’s the right man, then they’ve got to prioritise long-term over short-term success.
Scott McDermott: The situation is far from ideal if Rangers have any serious hope of salvaging the season. He’ll miss big games in the league, Europe - and an Old Firm semi-final. It sums up a recruitment process which hasn’t been good enough.
Kieran Tierney or Marcelo Saracchi - who is Celtic's first-pick left-back?
Craig Swan: Tierney is a quality performer at his best and will be the top choice if he’s at his levels, or somewhere near. But Sarachhi looks a capable deputy and, with a World Cup to aim for next summer, is motivated to perform.
Ryan McDonald: Kieran Tierney was always going to be a slow burner. You can’t expect a player who has been plagued with injuries in recent years to suddenly become a 90-minute regular at the flick of a switch. Celtic are doing the right thing by managing his fitness carefully - and they’ve recruited well in Marcelo Saracchi who is a more than able deputy.
Scott McDermott: If he’s fully fit, Tierney all day long. Even in his little cameos for Scotland last week, he showed what he’s all about when he’s at it. Saracchi looks a decent back-up but Tierney is still first-pick.
Will Hearts maintain their good run against Kilmarnock?
Craig Swan: Killie have made a solid start to the campaign and this is another big test of credentials for their visitors. Derek McInnes is learning every week about his team and he’ll learn more at his old stomping ground of Rugby Park. It’ll be tight.
Ryan McDonald: It’s one of the toughest away days Derek McInnes could’ve picked ahead of next week’s powderkeg with Celtic. Rugby Park will be rocking under the lights and Kilmarnock fans will be desperate to get one over their old boss. Killie are flying and a draw might not be the worst result for the league leaders.
Scott McDermott: Yes. They’re taking a huge travelling support to Ayrshire for the late game and the momentum from their derby win should see them squeeze past a resilient Killie and set themselves up for Celtic at Tynecastle next week.
Should Aberdeen accept and offer from Sweden for Jimmy Thelin?
Craig Swan: Ask that question a year ago, you’d have been chased out of Pittodrie. Ask it now and it is a serious poser. Thelin has a place in Dons folklore with his Scottish Cup win, but the currency won’t stay in the Red Army bank forever.
Ryan McDonald: Aberdeen will hold out for top dollar for their Scottish Cup-winning boss. Thelin has been on the Swedish FA’s radar before and the 47-year-old might well be tempted if his national team come calling. His league record in 2025 has been awful and a parting of ways might well suit both parties if a suitable financial package can be agreed.
Scott McDermott: Yes. It might be the perfect storm for the Dons board. Outwith the incredible Scottish Cup triumph in May, results have been poor under Thelin for a while. An offer of another job might just suit all parties and get Aberdeen a few quid in the process.
