Unbreakable Celtic defiance isn't budging as Hotline in hysterics over Barry Ferguson's Rangers gushing

Barry Ferguson reckons Philippe Clement is the real deal after being blown away by the Rangers boss following a chat with him on the club’s recent warm weather training trip to Spain.

The Ibrox legend wrote about his meeting with the Belgian in his most recent Record Sport column but some Hotline callers reckon his confidence in the man at the Light Blues helm is misguided. Eddie Easson, Ballingry, said: “Barry Ferguson has hyped up every manager since he left the club. Now it’s Big Phil’s turn to be the greatest thing since sliced bread. He will end up the same way as the rest!” Robert McEwan, Mount Vernon, said: “I had a wee smile on my face when I read my Daily Record and Barry Ferguson’s gushing praise of the Messiah Philippe Clement. I hope he’s not smiling come title day.”

And bullish Brian Fullerton, Glasgow, responded to Martin Baird’s claims that the Hoops legions were getting anxious, when he said: “There are no Celtic fans panicking about anything. Celtic will win the league and that is a fact.”

Matt O’Riley continues to attract attention with La Liga shock troops Girona the latest to be credited with an interest in the former MK Dons man. But Paddy Gowans emailed: “I don't get all the hype surrounding Matt O’Riley. He couldn’t lace Paul Lambert or Stiliyan Petrov’s boots in that position.”

Lawrence Shankland is another whose future is the subject of intense speculation. Hearts have made him a bumper off but the Gorgie club are realistic enough to know they can only go so far in terms of the wages they can pay the striker, as outlined by the club’s CEO Andrew McKinlay.

Neil Renton, Leith, said: “Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay might just have confirmed what we all know - the Tynecastle club lack funds and ambition.