THERE'S an old saying, 'There's no substitute for experience' and that adage may serve SPL managers well this summer as they scour the transfer market for undiscovered gems or rising stars.

THERE'S an old saying, 'There's no substitute for experience' and that adage may serve SPL managers well this summer as they scour the transfer market for undiscovered gems or rising stars.

Sometimes looking for one or two old campaigners who've been over the course more than a few times can prove to be the difference between success and failure in these tight financial times.

Billy Reid has already taken full advantage of that at Hamilton with the capture of Marvin Andrews from Raith Rovers. I am sure the Accies boss will try and blood a few more youngsters, but he knows 'second season' syndrome in the top flight may well require a few oldies to keep them up.

John Hughes was forever singing the praises of Russell Latapy when he strutted his stuff in the middle of the park for Falkirk. Yogi's team changed when the man from Trinidad and Tobago departed. This season, Jackie McNamara could be just as crucial for new Bairns boss Eddie May.

Mark McGhee's young Motherwell side flourished with the man known as 'Uncle' Phil O'Donnell policing the midfield. Don't bet against the new Dons boss trying to land a similar No.10 in the forthcoming weeks at Pittodrie.

Celtic would do well to find one as, I feel, it has on more than one occasion proved to be their undoing in Europe. There aren't that many 33- year-old geniuses to be had from MSV Duisburg like Lubo Moravcik, but every now and then you just never know.Maybe a call to Dr Jo would be a good idea for Tony Mowbray.

I know Hughes will definitely be looking for a golden oldie at Hibs because he witnessed first hand what it was like to play alongside Franck Sauzee.

The Frenchman is still revered in pubs down Leith Walk now.

I am a huge admirer of David Weir and it comes as no surprise to me that Rangers manager Walter Smith decided to keep him on for another year at Ibrox.

He'll cost them the odd goal this season and he'll get beaten over the head with criticism for the mileage in his body, but he'll save more than he gifts in this league.

We all love seeing a young talent emerging and thrilling us with their devil may care, fearless attitude, but there's nothing better than also celebrating a veteran using all his experience to produce a moment of magic that lives long in the memory.

Gary McAllister did it at Liverpool, Gordon Strachan, after a few bananas, starred for Leeds, Teddy Sheringham at Manchester United, Stanley Matthews at Blackpool, Pat Stanton at Celtic and Ray Wilkins at Rangers.

Then there's Ferenc Puskas who joined Real Madrid at 31 and played on for another eight years.

The list is endless and the memories priceless.

It might sound like I am an agent for Saga, but in truth, I am only too well aware of the value of having experience in a side ... just look at our Superscoreboard team!

Bright start for Mogga men...

IT'S early days in Celtic manager Tony Mowbray's team building, but there are signs his two main acquisitions look money well spent.

Marc-Antoine Fortune and Landry N'Guemo showed up well against Cardiff last night.

It was a match that didn't fall into the category of dull pre-season friendly, despite the 0-0 scoreline.

Mowbray chopped and changed the players as you would expect, but the touch and movement of the French striker and the industrious Cameroon midfielder promised better times ahead.

Fortune carrying two bags of coal and towing a truck would've offered more movement than Jan Venegoor of Hesselink at the tail end of last season.

As each game passes and each training session is completed, there are lessons to be learned and decisions Mowbray will make from sight, rather than people giving their assessment of who should stay or go.

Right now his priority is to use the next two matches at Wembley to get what he believes will be the settled XI that will start Wednesday's home tie against Dinamo Moscow.

So far, I still cannot see a future for Massimo Donati or Lee Naylor. Celtic are covered in midfield, so the Italian will just have to wait to see if someone in his homeland can offer him the fare back.

The left back slot is different. This problem position has only been known for 18 months, so we don't want to be too critical.

If Mowbray likes his full backs to bomb on and get crosses in, he better get the cheque book out.

One other issue to be resolved soon will be the enigma that is Paddy McCourt. The Northern Irish lad must show us what he can do.

Over the weekend we should have a clearer picture of Celtic's chances against Moscow. It could be the dawn of a new era or Artmedia part two.

SFA are on the ball with museum

I AM not a fan of Hampden as a stadium. At £50million for a revamp, there are many aspects of the design which leave a lot to be desired.

However, the Scottish football museum within the National Stadium should be celebrated.

If ever the SFA got one major attraction right, it's in the bowels of Hampden, where history and treasures aplenty are there for all to see.

If you're sick of listening to your old Da rambling on about how good Baxter, Cooper, Johnstone and Dalglish were, this is the place to find out.

Old Firm board members should take a trip and learn how to put together a proper visitor attraction that could make money.

I was in Madrid this summer and in the Bernabeu, they have a tour that takes you around the perimeter of the stadium, into the trophy room, on to the pitch and finally to their superstore, where there's a good chance you might buy something.

History can pay dividends and, at this moment, I don't believe Rangers and Celtic are offering anywhere near a proper football experience like Hampden.