Again we see a goalkeeper facing a penalty kick Rangers' Allan McGregor v Dundee United, and doing his best to hit his head off one of the goalposts while the ball is hit in the centre of the goal. If the goalkeeper had stood still he would have saved the penalty without even moving his feet.

Again we see a goalkeeper facing a penalty kick Rangers' Allan McGregor v Dundee United, and doing his best to hit his head off one of the goalposts while the ball is hit in the centre of the goal. If the goalkeeper had stood still he would have saved the penalty without even moving his feet.

I can't understand why goalkeepers do this, as any penalty-taker with half a brain can see them moving and put the ball in the opposite corner, or down the middle.

I can remember Erik Sorensen, the Danish goalkeeper, whose philosophy was to stand still and watch the ball intently, until it was kicked. His reflexes were good enough to allow him to dive in the correct direction.

He certainly wouldn't have been beaten by "one down the middle", or a trundler into the opposite corner.

My recollection is that, in his last season for Morton, before he signed for Rangers, he saved eight out of 10 penalties, but this was in the days before goalkeeping coaches, jersey pulling, simulation, et al.

Robert McMillan, Paisley

Celtic still counting cost of Martin O'Neill era
BOBO BALDE's comments about his situation at Celtic (Midweek Herald, October 31) exacerbated an all-too public spat, but also reminded us of a character in this farce who has managed to escape the blame.

Martin O'Neill was the man who pushed for the defender to be handed a ridiculously large salary in the first place. And let's face it, more than anything, money is at the root of this problem.

It makes it even more intriguing to hear allegations the former Celtic manager was trying to tunnel a way out of Parkhead long before that famous final in Seville. Maybe it's time to reconsider whether the O'Neill era was the huge success it was made out to be. I, for one, feel Celtic are still paying the price.

John Frail, via email

England's winning formula
Well done Doug Gillon for pointing the finger at England's selfish desire to muscle their way into the race to host the World Cup. Then again, in light of 1966, perhaps it's understandable . . . it's the only chance they have of winning the darn thing.

Gareth McKenzie, via email