I have a theory about the abuse Oz players so often get in Scotland... It just about always takes Oz players a while to adjust to the softer pitches and cold conditions of Scotland after playing on rock hard, zippy pitches in Oz. The cooler conditions allow for a faster pace and therefore less...

Nisbet and Strain have been consistently scoring highly on Fotmob and the RC fans really starting to appreciate Nizz.

Don't forget Balard. He's been brilliant this season. Over to you Popa to pick the best combination.

Here's something I prepared earlier, first published on Inside Sport... https://adriandeans.wordpress.com/2015/02/02/the-sleeping-giant-awakes/

I've never rated Glover - find him a tad ponderous.

Yet Triantis was MOTM. Shows how well he played to beat Miller.

There are some decent players there but Popa hasn't been picking them. Irvine is usually there and while he works hard in defence his touch and passing are dreadful.

Hobbled off with an injury this morning. Rowles has been one of Hearts' best in recent times. Good to see him fighting back.

With Souttar out, surely Triantis is in the frame. Has been excelling for Hibs at DM (where the Socceroos are also weak) but was outstanding for CCM at CB two years ago. Has gone to a new level at Hibs and has made the SPFL team of the week three times (I think) this season. Scored an excellent...

What's happening with Irankunda?

That's professional football...

Obviously waaaay too early and I'm not AT ALL suggesting it... yet... but young Haine Eames (16) at the Mariners is going to be an amazing player. Very classy midfielder who may well be banging on the Socceroos door by the end of the season. Perhaps more realistically... if we do make WC2026...

I can confirm it. Not exactly from the horse's mouth, but close enough. They just can't see past his height.

Triantis was superb in that match. Hope Popa is watching.

And Popa keeps picking Duke, Behich, Ryan, Irvine, Boyle... brought back Degenek and the useless Hrustic, picked Brattan, Grant (FFS)... Geria and Velupillay have done well but Caceres was mostly anonymous. Further, Popa has refused to pick Nisbet, didn't use Arzani or Balard, seems to have...

Strain was only just back. Probably didn't figure in selection discussions but ought to going forward (if uninjured). Mind you, Popa's selections are so bad he'd probably pick me ahead of Strain.

Strain's been injured for a long time. May well be picked next round.

New owners (with money) would certainly lessen the blow of Jacko leaving - if that's what happens. There is a genuine football culture on the Central Coast (I love seeing kids in Mariners gear - even during the off season) but probably assisted by the fact that there is no other code...

Arnie (and now Popa) have been picking the same tired hacks for years. They know each other very well, alas...

When he picks the right team he might get my vote...