Coastie

Probably what should've happened this season but I gather he was keen to play with some Aussie mates to help settle in to the UK. Delighted to see the Toon back in the Champions League by the way.

Not sure if serious... Two teams in the SPL (one and a half really) are superior to the A League average standard, the rest would get flogged by the best few AL teams. Kuol's former team just came second in the league to Melbourne City (CFG) who are by miles the best club. The Mariners play excellent football and it's a real shame GK didn't stay there for another year on loan under an outstanding young coach (ex Blades midfielder) who is 100% EPL bound.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I remain utterly hornswoggled by the way Hearts have misused Kuol. The guy's a full international in a team rated 27th in the world, who just came officially 11th at the World Cup. Xavi called him an exceptional talent after watching him run Barca ragged, and the whole of Argentina held its collective breath when he controlled that ball at the far post in the last minute of normal time. (I've spoken to a few Argentinians since - educated lot who knew all about him before the game.) How many other of Hearts' front third players could march in this company? Something went seriously wrong up there. I daresay Neilson was under so much pressure he simply didn't want to trust an 18 yo with saving his job. Big mistake, as GK has exactly the sort of pace and guile that might have pulled something out of the fire for him. I read on the Jambos forum that many of them think he needs bulking up to deal with the cloggers in the SPL. I think this would be a mistake as it's his body in its current shape that gives him his edge. He's as tough as fuck also so it's not as though he's scared off by challenges. You can never be too fit but, otherwise, let him develop naturally.

Just read that a decision has already been made about a full season loan for next year. Hope it's not back at Hearts. I'd prefer to see him in a technical league like Netherlands or Germany but if he's only there for a year the language would be an extra barrier. League 1 or Championship would be my choice.

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.