Celtic vs Rangers Scottish Cup final kick off time is missed trick as Saturday Jury delivers damning SFA verdict

Are the SFA right to block Buckie Thistle’s play off bid over licensing issues?

CRAIG SWAN: Rules are rules. You don’t comply, you don’t get in. It’s fairly simple.

ANDY NEWPORT: It’s hard to know as the statements released by the governing bodies and the club read a bit like ‘he said, she said’. But it does appear there are several other clubs operating in the SPFL with the same ‘entry level’ licence as Buckie. If true, the decision stinks.

MICHAEL GANNON: It’s all very strange as Buckie knew the deadlines and didn’t do enough. There has to be an in-built safety net in the laws through to maintain some sort of pyramid meritocracy.

Are the SFA missing a trick by staging the Scottish Cup up against the FA Cup down south?

CRAIG: Yes they are. The Old Firm regularly kicks-off at lunchtime. A midday Cup Final would have been perfect.

ANDY: I’m not sure it matters. It would be nice to see both games but if you’re a fan of Scottish football you’ll always make tuning into events at Hampden your priority.

MICHAEL: The match-going fans want 3pm but it’s hard not to feel the sponsors – who bring money in to our game – might have fancied an earlier kick-off and a potential UK wide audience.

Can St Mirren and Dundee derail the Old Firm this weekend in their fight for Europe?

CRAIG: Obviously, they can. And with both sides away from home, the chances are increased. But the feeling is they won’t.

ANDY: Celtic were looking more like their old selves until a ropey performance nearly cost them against Aberdeen at Hampden. A repeat will only give encouragement to a Dundee side buzzing from last week’s point against Gers.

-Credit:PA
-Credit:PA

The Light Blues have a decent record in Paisley but they’ve seldom been comfortable. Slack off again and the Buddies will fancy their chances.

MICHAEL: There are twists and turns still to come in this title race. It wouldn’t be a massive shock if both sides pinch points from the Old Firm, but this time around both will do just enough to get the job done.

It’s the awards season, give us your player and young player of the year.

CRAIG: Matt O’Riley is a strong contender for Player of the Year. David Watson has been superb for Kilmarnock.

ANDY: Lawrence Shankland gets my vote for top performer and I fancy him to carry on his impressive form at the Euros this summer. The kid prize should go to Killie’s David Watson, with special mention going to Motherwell’s Lennon Miller too.

MICHAEL: It’a a tricky year to dig out winners. Shankland should get the nod for his superb strike rate. Young player is an even smaller market, Watson must be in with a shout, while Connor Barron has emerged as a top talent in a struggling Aberdeen team.