Good enough for Champions league

Tactically we are maybe not good enough yet. Strachan knew how to win at home and often keep clean sheets in Europe, although never mastered away games whatsoever, and I think our backroom staff still need to get to grips with that. We also have the problem that we don't have the personnel play one up top really - Hooper is dire at it, Stokes better but not great or his preference, Samaras is good but was more effective wide left this season. We would also need someone capable of playing in the hole as Ki, Forrest, Brown and Commons have been tried but didn't really work. Paddy could do it but is unlikely to be here, McGeouch is great and his best position but totally inexpereinced, Ibrahim could fill that role if he's good enough or Hooper could be asked but wouldn't track back to pressure the oppositions defensive midfielder enough. In terms of central midfielders, full-backs and wingers I think we are set for counter attacks while staying solid. Centre-backs are getting infinitely better in the form of Mulgrew and Rogne, whilst Forster is really coming onto a game which is critical after the masterclass Handanovic showed against us.

If all the above is dealt with and we have a decent draw we could reach the knockout stages or challenge in the Europa League where we would be seeded at least.