In just a week's time, we've got our first Champions League match coming up, so this is a worrying time for me.

It's always nerve-racking when so many of my players are away playing in World Cup qualifiers against wee diddy nations full of cloggers.

I mean, there's big Sami already injured and that's a huge blow for us because now the fans will have no-one to shout and moan at for everything that goes wrong on the pitch.

They're going to have to find a new scapegoat at short notice.

We have one more competitive match before we take on a quality side in Benfica, and the last thing I want to hear on Friday is players who had been on international duty declaring themselves unfit – and yet I wouldn't be surprised if that happened.

Listen, you come to expect players coming back from inter-national duty with a few bumps and bruises – and sometimes even a few love bites.

I'm certainly not against any of my players going on international duty. I'd certainly love Scotland to qualify for Brazil, especially if there's a chance of getting a wee freebie trip out of it.

Obviously, we've got a right good few injuries right now, so some people will think that will mean an automatic start for our new signings Efe Ambrose, Miku Fedor and Lassad Nouiouiouioui, but you have to be careful. None of them have been playing a lot of football lately and I'm a wee bit reluctant to throw them into the red-hot cauldron of McDiarmid Park on Saturday then expect them to handle Celtic Park next Wednesday.

By the way, a lot of people have been asking me about Lassad Nouioui, but all I can tell you is this.

I believe it's pronounced 'Nweewee', but as to why he's decided to call himself 'Lassad', I have no idea - you'll have to work that out for yourself.

Craig Brown

What do I think of the road to Rio? An excellent film, not just because Bob Hope and Bing Crosby were in it, but that wee honey, Dorothy Lamour, was in it, too.

Frank McAvennie

What does the name 'Brazil' conjure up for the Frankie Boy? Brazilians. Shockeroony, all round, eh?

David Currie

Just to clear things up for anyone who saw the headline last week which read 'Sheridan wins deal at Kilmarnock'.

I've been asked to point out that no, it's not Tommy or Gail who Kenny Shiels has snapped up, it's Cillian.

Chick Young

I have some good news and some bad news.

The bad news is there is a procedural hearing taking place this week into Rangers' alleged use of dual EBT contractual contracts; the good news is the club are boycotting this sham of a fiasco of a kangaroo court, and quite right.

Come on, why should the mighty Rangers be subject to rules and regulations they don't like?