Coastie

I watched that game and Barca were behind. They played like maniacs to get back in front (which they did late) - they were not treating it like a friendly in that last 45 and that's when Garang came on and shone. Xavi described him as an amazing prospect and there was plenty of talk that NUFC beat Barca for his signature. I have no doubts about the demands of SPL football but he's not getting a chance to show what he's got. If he coudn't even get minutes against 10 man Killie then what's the point of the loan?

Don't disagree with any of that, but as I said earlier, he gets ignored when he comes on. They almost never play a pass to him - the only ball he sees is if he wins it himself.

He got more minutes v Barcelona than he gets against lower half SPL clubs. My problem with the loan is not so much the lack of minutes... it's the fact that there is no plan to get the ball to him when he comes on. They've got the fastest player in Scotland with a shitload of skill and huge goal involvement record, but have no plan for how to utilise him and his talents. Bring him home Eddie.

Around about now Kuol will be thinking: "What the fuck have I done coming here?" They don't get him, they don't get the way he plays and they sure as fuck don't know how to use him. In most games, Kuol will be the fastest man on the pitch. Get him into open space and then reap the whirlwind. It aint rocket science. FFS

Hearts were abysmal and don't seem to know Kuol's in their team. Get him out of there pronto.

We’ll, unless they were all taking the piss he must’ve done alright.

I see the BBC gave Kuol motm. Must’ve done alright.

He's a super confident kid so the experience won't have damaged him. But Hearts are shooting themselves in both feet by playing him out of position - they don't get full value from him and cause other clubs to doubt them as a loan destination.

He was moved up front halfway through the first half.

Didn't see it but read the Jambos match thread. He was picked in central fucking midfield for god's sake... then he was moved up front where he was involved in a couple of decent attacks made a good run and set up McKay for a sitter (apparently)... then was hooked at half time when they had to make urgent changes to rejig their inadequate midfield. The loan is hardly a rip-roaring success at this stage.

As I've said a number of times, the leagues are hard to compare because they are played in such different conditions. The AL is run in summer in a stinking hot country so is inevitably played at a slower pace. That's always the biggest factor for Oz players to get used to when they go to Europe - it's played in the cold so is faster. Less time on the ball before being closed down, less time to make decisions etc... But there is quality there and every year the standard gets a little better. The idea that (say) Melbourne City would struggle against Ross County or Dundee is laughable.

There's a pretty strong correlation among the top nations though.

You don't get it do you... Australia came 11th with nearly all players developed in the AL. The only reason they go to Scotland is to get into the Euro shop window.

This is fucking garbage written either by an idiot or an AFL stooge. Where are Zimbabwe, Zambia and the Congo rated? And when did any of them last make the World Cup?

I forgive you your ignorance. Australia, rated 27 in the world, just came officially 11th at the World Cup and were only Garang Kuol's shot away from taking Argentina (eventual champions) into extra time in the round of 16. The squad featured plenty of A League players and almost everyone (bar Jackson Irvine, I think) has played in the AL. Could Scotland (ranked 42) or any SPL eleven have done as well? I don't think so. In fairness, the leagues are hard to compare as they are played in such different conditions, but there is plenty of quality in the AL and plenty more hungry young players looking for gigs in Europe. So next time you want to patronise the AL just reflect on this and... frankly, give credit where it's due.

Maybe. The rest of my point stands.

Having watched a lot of both leagues, this is bang on. Take out Celtic and Rangers and most Oz teams would beat most SPL teams. Plus Celtic have been beaten twice on tours to Oz - say what you like about travel and pre-season etc but if they had that much superior quality they'd not get beat.

I wonder where Ange Postecoglou is in the betting? He's exactly the sort of leftfield manager that could be a genuine circuit breaker for them but I doubt he'd want to leave Celtic right now, especially where they are mid-season. He takes a while to work his model into the players' heads and hearts. Won the league everywhere he's been though.

I've been telling people for years I work on the Pensky file.

They also had some injuries at the back that needed sorted. Possibly cost him his chance.

I'm guessing four World Cup appearances would've had their moments. Not to mention playing in front of 60k against Barca. Take your point though... he will never have encountered the level of spectator dislike and angst as he will have overnight. Disappointed he didn't get on.

Said before... my grandparents were Geordies but I didn't know that as a wee tacker growing up in Australia (despite their impenetrable accents) until I'd already picked a team. As others have said - you pick a team, you have to stick with them, but Newcastle have been my second team since the late 70s. Loved the Keegan era (what a team) and went so fucking close. Very happy to see the club doing so well again. Very much looking forward to Kuol making his St James debut. (He's from my club back in Oz.)

Why the fuck would anyone want to have a shite without the threat of venomous death? That's the true mark of a man, or woman...

Normally yes, unless you want to be a footballer with every fibre of your being. There's also the fact that we Aussies live in a warm country and can't help but be curious about what it's like to live in a cold climate with slate grey skies and filthy ice slush all over the fucking place.

Expect him to get at least 30 mins tonight. He's trained all week so should be ready to go. A legend is about to be born.