For all the general air of positivity that has been undeniably generated since Gordon Strachan became Scotland manager, even the most optimistic of devotees to the national side’s cause will harbour serious reservations about the Scots’ chances of making it to next summer’s European Championships in France following defeats to Georgia and Germany.
Well, season 2015/16 is underway, and it will come as no surprise to learn that Celtic are huge favourites to make it 5 Premiership league titles on the bounce next May.
Arsenal hearts were warmed this week, when Olympique de Marseille announced the signing of former Gunner Abou Diaby. There will have been plenty of soul-searching in Islington too though. With better luck on the injury front, how good could Diaby have been?
The last week has seen two protracted transfers go through, and both have left a slightly bitter taste in the mouth for varying reasons. There are no prizes for guessing that the deals referred to are those for Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph, but it is frustrating to see how these former crowd favourites have soured their relationships with Liverpool and Aston Villa respectively.
Now that the dust has settled and the bruises have softened to yellow following Scotland’s recent brawny clash with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin, we can pause to reflect on how this leaves Gordon Strachan’s men placed as far as potential qualification for next summer’s European Championships in France is concerned.