THE Old Firm are about to come out of summer storage. Celtic are back today for pre-season, while Rangers will follow them in eight days' time.
By Chris Jack
THE Old Firm are about to come out of summer storage. Celtic are back today for pre-season, while Rangers will follow them in eight days' time.
The beach towels and sun cream will be packed away for another close season as the big two crack on with their attempts to shape their squads for the new campaign.
And, as both halves of the Old Firm try to deal with financial uncertainties on various fronts, this summer could prove to be one of the most important for many years.
Walter Smith knows that he must build on last season's title success but is still working on an extremely tight budget, despite the guaranteed £10million Champions League jackpot.
Across the city, new boss Tony Mowbray must build a squad capable of challenging Rangers and qualifying for the Champions League group stages.
With their tasks hindered by ever-tightening purse strings, both managers also have to decide on the futures of several players whose contracts are running into their final years.
Both know they can ill-afford to let players sit in the stands as their contracts run down, as with Bobo Balde and Brahim Hemdani. So now is the time to decide who should be tied down to a longer deal and who should be cashed in on.
RANGERS
Kris Boyd
The striker once again finished as Rangers' top scorer last season, but doubts over his future at the club arise almost as frequently as he hits the net. Interest from Birmingham in January showed that Rangers were willing to sell, a similar situation may again be on the cards this summer.
Verdict: Keep. Boyd's goal tally was invaluable as Rangers secured a league and cup double. He must keep showing the signs of improvement to his overall game that became apparent at times last term. Everyone has their price, though.
Barry Ferguson
A tearful appearance at Hampden after Scottish Cup victory may signal that the former captain has played his last game for the Light Blues. Has been hampered by injuries in recent years and made a minimal impact last season. May be reunited with Alex McLeish at Birmingham.
Verdict: Sell. With Kevin Thomson, Maurice Edu, Steven Davis and Pedro Mendes, Rangers have a plethora of midfield talent. In times gone by, Ferguson would have been ahead of the field but his ticket appears to be up at Ibrox. His hefty wage packet could be better spent by Smith.
Nacho Novo
The little Spaniard has become a hero among the Gers faithful. Has scored goals when it matters, including Helicopter Sunday, the winning penalty against Fiorentina and a stunning strike in the Homecoming Scottish Cup final. Has admitted he would like to return to his hometown club SD Huelva before his playing days are out.
Verdict: Keep. A valuable squad player but not a first-choice pick. Has done enough in a blue jersey to merit a contract extension.
Kirk Broadfoot
The man with the "limited ability" - and that's just his cooking skills - has been an inconsistent performer since his move from St Mirren. Ever eager to gallop forward in support, his final ball is poor and could find himself warming Steven Whittaker's spot on the bench should he remain at his boyhood heroes.
Verdict: Keep. Unless Walter Smith can find a quality replacement, or throw young Danny Wilson into the limelight, then Broadfoot and Whittaker will once again fight it out for the right-back slot. Can play across the back four and has the adaptability that Rangers need.
DaMarcus Beasley
One of the quickest players in Rangers' squad but rarely puts that pace to use. Could have done with an extended run in the side. Writing was probably on the wall when Steven Smith got the nod ahead of him. In the shop window recently at the Confederations Cup.
Verdict: Sell. Walter Smith tried just about everyone on the left side last season and nobody has made the jersey their own for the upcoming campaign. Having the American's wages off the bill, plus, a possible transfer fee, looks like a better option than keeping him on.
Steven Smith
The forgotten man of Ibrox made a surprise return to the side at the end of last season as a left-winger. Looked highly promising before his injury problems but has failed to develop as expected. Might be time for a fresh start.
Verdict: Sell. With Sasa Papac as first-choice left-back and Whittaker able to fill in, Smith will find his options limited once again. A summer move would be the best option for both parties.
Alan Gow
The other forgotten man of Ibrox. Rangers fans who have seen him play are a rare breed. A move to Wolves broke down last season and he spent time on loan at Norwich. Buying a left-sided midfielder must be a priority for Smith and Gow would find himself in the wildnerness once again if he stayed.
Verdict: Sell. Gow needs first-team football if he is to get his career back on track. Dream move to Ibrox has not worked out and Rangers are unlikely to stand in his way.
Graeme Smith
How many forgotten men do Rangers have? Still behind Allan McGregor in the pecking order, even after his Scotland antics. Neil Alexander seems to be the No.1 and there will only be room for one Smith - Walter- in the Ibrox dugout next season.
Verdict: Sell. Smith is another who needs football and that is unlikely to happen at Rangers. Might find himself second choice if McGregor moves on so could decide to hang around for another season.
 KEEPBoyd's goals are invaluable |  SELLEx-captain not force he was |  KEEPNacho is man for big occasion | ||
CELTIC
Gary Caldwell
The only Celtic player to win a double last season after he scooped the Clydesdale Bank and Football Writers' Player of the Year awards. Was Hoops' top performer last season and Tony Mowbray has already said he would like to keep him on.
Verdict: Keep. With Stephen McManus injured and short of form, Caldwell will be vital for Celtic as they look to qualify for the Champions League.
Chris Killen
Celtic fans who forgot what he looked like, or that he existed, may have remembered if they watched the Confederations Cup. With the Parkhead club in desperate need of a striker, the New Zealander could be like a new signing for them. But only if he can find his best form.
Verdict: Sell. Re-united with old boss Mowbray, Killen could finally have an impact in a Celtic shirt. Any transfer fee would be welcome, however, as the Hoops continue to chase Marc-Antoine Fortune.
Mark Brown
Called upon when needed last season but still behind Artur Boruc in the pecking order. The arrival of Lukasz Zaluska from Dundee United might see his options limited further unless Boruc moves on.
Verdict: Keep. Unlikely to challenge the Polish duo for the No.1 jersey but a move for Boruc would see Celtic requiring a solid back-up and Brown could be their man. May be willing to hang around for another season.
Barry Robson
One of the main men behind Celtic's title win in his first season at Parkhead. Inconsistent season last term due to injuries and competition for places. Unlikely to be a starter in Mowbray's new midfield, but will provide bite and depth to the squad. Needs players to move on if he is to get closer to the starting XI.
Verdict: Keep. With Shunsuke Nakamura gone and Paul Hartley to follow, Robson has moved up in the pecking order to partner Scott Brown next season. Will probably have to fend off a new signing for a starting berth, but has the potential to make a contribution next term.
Paul Caddis
Tipped to be a star at Parkhead, Caddis has found himself in a constant battle for a run in the side and spent time on loan at Dundee United last season. Has a bright future, but needs to find first-team football. Departure of Lee Naylor may help him.
Verdict: Keep. Unlikely to demand a high transfer fee and, as a result, Celtic won't lose out too much by giving him one more shot at Parkhead. Defenders will undoubtedly be on Tony Mowbray's shopping list and time will tell if Caddis can overcome the challenges before him and secure a long-term future with the club.
Lee Naylor
Once tipped for an England call-up, the left-back's performances have dipped away in recent seasons. An area of the side that needs strengthening badly, with Paul Robinson tipped to follow his old boss north of the border.
Verdict: Sell. Left-back slot needs freshened at Celtic and Naylor is unlikely to want to play back-up to the new man in town. Wages could be better spent and a break-up could be best for both Celtic and Naylor.
 KEEPGaz was Hoops' top man last term |  SELLNaylor has long been out of sorts |  SELLKillen is rarely seen in Celts' jersey | ||
