Rangers and Celtic should push for the Premier League as it's one of two options to save the Scottish game - Hotline

The Old Firm bantering and bickering often takes centre stage on the Hotline but calls about Hearts and Scotland – although not very complimentary – knocked the usual suspects off their perch.

Ian Urquhart emailed: “All season we have been hearing from Ryan Stevenson how great Hearts are and how they are this big force which is going to split the Old Firm. Really? Well knocked out the two cups, miles behind the Old Firm in the league and only five points ahead of Hibs who like Aberdeen have had struggled at times this season. Hearts should be well ahead in third but in reality they are not any better than a team that will finish in the top five.”

John Scott, Grassmoor, may have had his tongue in his cheek, saying: “There’s no debate, Hearts are indeed Scotland’s third force. It’s irrelevant that Hibs and Aberdeen have been rank rotten for the last two or three seasons. It's irrelevant that Hearts have won 13 games to their 12 apiece. They’re third and ahead of Hibs so that’s what matters, to them at least. So respect to the Jambos. Third biggest club by miles. All hail Hearts.”

Onto the national team and Eddie Easson, Ballingry, Fife, emailed: “For goodness sake get a grip, of course Angus Gunn has to be Scotland No 1. This is no disrespect to Craig Gordon and the other keepers. Gunn is 27 with at least 10 years in front of him. He is first choice at his club in a decent league. He has given Scotland a leap of faith. If he doesn’t play this is a disaster and would warrant Clarke being sacked.”

Tim Gibbens emailed: “What exactly do Lawrence Shankland and Kevin Nisbet have to do to merit a place in Steve Clarke’s squad? If the Scotland manager has such an issue with them 'only' playing (and scoring!) for lowly