Ranks

Not sure but really hoping he signs up, captain material for next season (rest of this season even) and a good shout for POTY at United

Hope we are up for the 6 pointer on Friday night

When we were at our best against Killie was when we got right in their faces and didn't give them any time on the ball, that's what we do well and Rankin seems to be really good at driving the team on when we're playing like that. His work rate is incredible. Tell you what though, bet he toed Çiftçi right in the gonads after the match for the goal "celebration"...!

Hopefully the crowd chanting his name at the end will make him realise how appreciated he is here, and that he might not get that sort of adulation with other clubs.

Would be a shame to lose him, but if he goes we could always offer Gomis another contract. Not exactly a shabby replacement.

Jackie is in the paper today saying that he's hopeful that Rankin will sign up again and that he's positive about it.

It's a big decision for him and to be fair I don't blame him for taking his time about this. At his age this is his last "big" contract opportunity and he's got to make sure he gets himself set up for when he finishes in the game (although I can see him going into coaching and I know he's involved in the SPFA).

Hopefully he does sign up though as it'll be a huge blow if he goes. I think he's been excellent for us. In terms of replacements obviously there is Gomis (although he has looked a shadow of what he was in his brief appearances) but I'd be interested in what younger players could come through. Petrie has been on the fringes before his loan move to Brechin and there's been a lot of talk about the lad Smith who is meant to be a talented player. I would hope at least one of them would be able to push for a starting place next season.