Deluded Celtic gloaters warned triggering Clement theory will CURSE them and Rangers will reign supreme – Hotline

The Scottish Cup final is nearly upon us and the fighting talk between Glasgow's big two has hit fever pitch. But before we get into the bickering, a bit of Scotland squad chat, shall we?

There were a few grumpy guts on the Hotline as Gerrard Milligan, Renfrewshire, said: "99 per cent predictable, too many fillers. McLean, Armstrong, Dykes, Hanley, Ryan Jack? Blair Spittal has done enough to get at least a place. Uninspiring, we won't progress again."

James McLean, Isle of Bute, said: "Why the heck is Steve Clarke including Ryan Jack in his squad? He has hardly played a game this season and is out of favour at Rangers. Is this him trying to appease the Rangers supporters?" And, just for balance, Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: "I bet that the Germans are nervous now that the Scotland squad has been announced, especially as Celtic's Colossus Callum McGregor is included. Or 'Callum Who' as the Germans call him. Bang Average doesn't cut it in Europe."

Celtic face Rangers in the big finale of the domestic season on Saturday and Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, reckons one side have already crowned themselves winners. He said: "The Celtic players and fans are boasting they have won the Scottish Cup and Double before the game has been played, disrespectful to all connected with Rangers football club but wouldn't expect anything else from Parkhead and if their heads get any bigger they won't get in the dressing room door, never mind the fans at the turnstiles at Hampden on Saturday."

Could it be Philippe Clement's last game if he loses? Willie Mercer, Dumfries, said: "Even if he loses the Scottish Cup Final, Clement is going nowhere, as prophesied by some hopeful Celtic fans. The man has been hamstrung this season through the poor quality signings of his predecessor and a horrendous run of injuries to many key players and has done a remarkable job pushing Celtic given these circumstances. He deserves and will get the opportunity to put his own squad together and team on the park next season."

Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: "With all the Rangers fans dreading Saturday, how things have changed in the space of a month! Already some fans want the magician away if he loses the final! And bingo, it didn’t last long till we have the regular end of season quote ( well done to Andrew Lamb for it ) 'I’m already excited about the new look for next season.' They are without doubt the gift that keeps on giving."

And Bud Hay, Dumfries, said: "Got to laugh at Clement signing all these duds, he might not be there next season. I think he won't be running away down a tunnel, he will be running out of Ibrox with his P45 if he doesn't win the Scottish Cup."

Jack Butland was left out of the England squad and after a week that saw Rangers' interest in Motherwell's Liam Kelly emerge, some were putting two and two together. Stephen Mulhern said: "It won’t have gone unnoticed down south that Rangers are close to bringing in Scotland international Liam Kelly. That would indicate that they already have a ready made replacement lined up when an expected bid comes in and with Butland left out of the England squad, he must feel heading back down south will be the only chance of regaining a place."

And Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire, said: "Liam Kelly has already passed through the Ibrox revolving exit door, now they are trying to re-sign him because they can get him for free? But you can bet there's more to this story than meets the eye. Butland will now be sold when some English Championship outfit come calling and their first offer will be snapped up and gratefully accepted as the Ibrox biscuit tin is now running on empty!"

A word for Rangers kid Ross McCausland but some of the praise from John Davidson, Kirkintilloch, might be a tad premature. He said: "Here's hoping young McCausland can keep processing at the rate he's doing and be the difference in the two teams on Saturday, I can see this young man being the new George Best. Onwards and upwards."

And Jamie Thomson, Yoker, said: "The Celtic team will be found out in the Champions League the same as the last 10 years. Rodgers is waiting for a phone call from England then he will dump Celtic just as he did before. Celtic are an average Scottish team with deluded fans, Tavernier and co gave them league."