Sleepy Celtic must wake from transfer slumber as dazzling Rangers trigger Hotline panic stations
Russell Martin made a flying start as Rangers manager with the Champions League qualifier success over Panathinaikos.
Second-half goals from Findlay Curtis and Djeidi Gassama gave the Ibrox team a precious lead to take to Greece for next week's second leg.
The Hotline was awash with plenty of congrats for Martin and his team as they returned a fine result on competitive bow for the campaign.
Joe Graham, Garrowhill, said: 'What a stunning performance by academy kid Findlay Curtis. He was superb in getting Martin off to a flyer with a magnificent win.
"It was a shaky first-half with goalkeeper Jack Butland proving to be the right choice with world-class saves. Then the home side put the foot on the Gassama.
"It was no wonder why the Sheffield Wednesday supporters raved about this kid. He is going to set the Ibrox fans on fire this season.'
Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs, said: 'Congratulations to Rangers for weathering the first half storm from Panathinaikos and then turning the tables on them. Far from falling flat in his first serious competitive encounter, Martin has shown that he is far from clueless.
"No doubt the welcome appearance of Sir Alex [Ferguson] in the dressing room after the match will have added extra brilliance to the team's confidence.
"It now looks as though the Ibrox side could be a real contender for the title this season, if Celtic do not awake from their slumber in the transfer market where dilly dallying seems to be their default position.'
Andy Lanigan, Meadowburn, said: 'Some Celtic fans waffle about us being minnows in Europe and not in the big boys' league. Celtic are the minnows in Champions League, we are a force in the Europa. Numerous quarter finals and a Final in recent years. The last time the big Bhoys won a knockout tie in ANY Euro format? 22 years ago.'
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said: 'A perfect result for Martin. Exciting end-to-end stuff with two absolutely stunning goals, along with a goalkeeping master-class from Butland gives Rangers a huge chance of going through in the heat of Athens.'
Linda Gray said: 'I went to this game fearing the worst, but hoping for the best and what a performance from my team. I didn't hold much hope or confidence, but I was proven wrong and taking a two-goal lead into the cauldron of Athens is even better. Jack Butland was at his best.'
However, not everyone was gushing as Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: 'Rangers style of play was meant to change under the new management. The first competitive game has taken place and it's the same old pass back and dodgy defending as last season.
'Kieran Dowell, other than one header, passed back 20-30 yards to his own half on three occasions and barely touched the ball other than that.
"Danilo never got any service whatsoever, as for Max Aarons, that's two games I've seen him stand about not knowing what's going on. I will say what I saw of Gassama, he looks really good. Rangers have not put this tie to bed yet, I just hope they can.'
Neil Renton, Leith, added: 'The season has not even started and Rangers are already beating teams at Ibrox when the opponents have had a man sent off. Welcome back, Scottish football.'
Steve McSherry, Uddingston, said: 'How did Panathanaikos lose that game? They absolutely pummelled a very poor Rangers side until they stupidly got a man sent off. That said, I'm sure they will rectify it next week.'
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, got in touch over the passing of John Fallon and said: 'So sad to hear yet another Lisbon Lion passing away. A great man, a great Celt and he'll be sadly missed.'
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