It’s transfer season and the market it dominating the talking points before a packed weekend of action
Franculino Dju celebrates his hat-trick(Image: )
Celtic are badly in need of a striker. If you were Martin O’Neill who would you go for?
SCOTT BURNS: I would try and break the club’s record signing and ask the questions about Franculino Dju from Midtjylland. He might be out of their financial reach but I would ask the question. Domestically, would Shaun Maloney fancy a nibble at his old club for either Kieron Bowie or Martin Boyle?
ANDY NEWPORT: Kieron Bowie is progressing well but Hibs asking price of £6.5m might put off the penny pinching Parkhead board. I’ll tell you what, if Celtic are serious about shaking up the title race, perhaps they should test Heart’s resolve with a bid for a certain Tynecastle captain.
FRASER WILSON: Callum Wilson would be a blockbuster signing but with options elsewhere it might just be out of the Hoops reach financially. David Fofana’s numbers suggest he could be a good addition. Kieron Bowie should be left to develop at HIbs.
What do you make of Rangers’ January business and is it a statement of intent?
SCOTT BURNS: It looks good on paper. The Ibrox board have certainly backed Danny Rohl. I still think they are a big light up top but the business they have done so far should move them in the right direction.
ANDY NEWPORT: Most definitely but I still think they are two players short of having a team they can rely on. Another centre back would be handy but a reliable scorer is the big thing missing from Danny Rohl’s line up.
FRASER WILSON: Absolutely. We’ve not seen enough of the new boys yet but their pedigree is unquestionable and in Andreas Skov Olsen they will be getting a tried and tested international quality winger. Danny Rohl has strengthened three of his priority areas already while Celtic dither.
It’s the magic of the Scottish Cup this weekend. Where do you think the shocks are most likely to come?
SCOTT BURNS: A lot of people will fancy Ayr to beat Dundee United and Raith Rovers to shock holders Aberdeen. I think both Premiership teams will progress. I think this weekend might actually be shock-free.
ANDY NEWPORT: Aberdeen will be mightily relieved they are hosting Raith Rovers rather than going to Kirkcaldy but the manager less Dons still look vulnerable. Dougie Imrie’s side will be smelling blood.
FRASER WILSON: Maybe Tannadice. Dundee United’s form has been up and down and Ayr have the quality to capitalise if Jim Goodwin’s men throw in a stinker. Holders Aberdeen need to find their shooting boots or they could be on the end of an upset.
Aberdeen are looking for a new manager. Who is the man to take the Dons forward?
SCOTT BURNS: Jens Berthel Askou is the popular choice, but he won’t leave Motherwell for Aberdeen. He should have bigger fish to fry in the summer. I would try for somebody like Gary Rowett, who has just left Oxford United.
ANDY NEWPORT: I can’t believe Robbie Neilson hasn’t been contacted yet. A proven operator at Premiership level with clubs of similar size to the Pittodrie side. It’s a no brainer for me.
FRASER WILSON: I’ll stay consistent on this: Stephen Robinson. He’s worked minor miracles at St Mirren. Knows the league and how to get results. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel for the sake of it. More than a safe pair of hands – a proven winner.
