James Bisgrove suffers Rangers obliteration as dumbfounded Hotline seize on bold claim and wonder if Beale's about

Steve Clarke ended the October international break with a place at Euro 2024 in the bag and much to digest after the friendly loss to France.

The national coach was able to celebrate qualification for Germany with two games to go and that allowed him to offer opportunities for lesser-sighted stars in Lille. However, Didier Deschamps’ powerhouse outfit were at full strength and delivered an emphatic 4-1 win to show Scotland and the manager the levels required to compete against the elite.

It was a worthwhile exercise and Neil Renton, Leith, cracked: “It just goes to show you how much respect Scotland have in world football nowadays. Clarke plays a reserve team, but France were so scared they put out a full strength side. He’s luring them into a false sense of security for when we play them in the final of the Euros next year.”

However, in typical Hotline fashion, not everyone was feeling as jovial. Robert Burns emailed: “With the 4-1 defeat by France, great to see Scotland doing a dress rehearsal for what is going to happen to them in Germany next year.”

Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “As a betting man, I am confused at who to back for the Euros next year. “Clarke has told us recently that England, Spain and France are the best side in Europe. When he makes up his mind, can he let us know?”

Mind you, international gripes are nothing compared to the club game and it’s back to business and backbiting for the domestic action this weekend. Barrie Urquhart, Clydebank, took a keen interest in events at Philippe Clement’s unveiling as new boss at Rangers. He said: “Is Micheal Beale still at Ibrox wearing a James Bisgrove facemask? I can’t believe that interview, assess the squad?. It’s been assessed for the last three seasons