On the plus side, we’ve got Kye Rowles, Cam Devlin and Nat Atkinson starring at Hearts… Keanu Baccus and Ryan Strain tearing it up at St Mirren… Martin Boyle back at his beloved Hibs and Aaron Mooy winning (occasional) rave reviews at Ange’s Celtic.

All of these players are either Socceroos, or potential Socceroos with eyes fixed on the World Cup. (Although Devlin will be ruing his idiotic red card overnight.)

But there are others.

Two players in particular must already be wondering whether they’ve made big mistakes leaving Oz for Alba, and both came from the Mariners.

The first is Mark Birighitti who went to Dundee United.

Birraz was (in my opinion) the standout A League goalkeeper of the last two years. He was immense for the Mariners and was a huge part of their success after years in Finals oblivion.

I would have said he was a strong chance of making the World Cup squad and a transfer to a European club (as first choice) was surely going to help his prospects.

Trouble is, Dundee United are a basket case. Their defence and midfield are non-existent – they may as well call themselves the Red Carpet because after the first Europa League leg against AZ Alkmaar (where Birraz did quite well), they’ve simply laid down and left Birraz completely exposed to wave after wave of attack.

He was dropped after a seven goal thrashing, in which I would have said only one was (maybe) his fault. His replacement has since shipped many goals – nine against a rampant Celtic. To be fair to Eriksson, almost none of those were his fault but Birraz is a great keeper and should not have been dropped in the first place.

Of course, playing in goals is so much a “confidence” thing. Once it’s lost it’s hard to get back so maybe dropping him was the right temporary decision.

But to make things far worse, it emerged on Instagram that Birraz had liked a Joe Hart (Celtic) post celebrating twin hattrick heroes, Kyogo and Abada. The "like" was removed but not before it caused a huge rift between Birraz and the fans. He is now listed as “injured” and did not feature at all in their last games – not even on the bench.

The future is bleak, and just a few weeks ago he was a really good chance of going to the World Cup. His WC spot, in all likelihood, will now be taken by Mitch Langerak who has returned from NT oblivion.

The other player who might be ruing his SPL decision is Lewis Miller (Hibernian FC).

Lewis had a fabulous last season for the Mariners – excelling in the Right Back position – and also had some good judges talking him up as a bolter for Qatar. He’s up against some very good players (Fran Karacic and Nat Atkinson – and also Ryan Strain) but offers a lot in both attack and defence.

Unfortunately, Hibs already have an excellent Right Back (Cadden) and in Miller’s very limited minutes so far, Cadden has not been replaced but sent further forward. He’s (with Martin Boyle) one of Hibs’ very best players so Miller is up against it taking his place. A bit like Homer trying to get past Daryl Strawberry. (google it)

Ironically, part of Miller’s reason for leaving the Mariners was because he wanted to play Centre Back. If that’s the case, he’ll never have a better opportunity.

The Hibee fans are screaming for some decent Centre Backs (as was Birraz, no doubt) and were disappointed they didn’t get any in the last transfer window. Lewis Miller is a big, strong player – good in the air – fierce in the tackle – who has all the attributes to be a success in the middle of defence.

Mind you, learning a new position at professional level is a big ask. I suspect he’s already lost any chance of going to the World Cup but he can still be a success at Hibs. He’s easily good enough for the SPL and Hibs need some players. Time to knock on the manager’s door Lewis.

It might be all over for Birraz though, which is such a shame. What possessed him to like enemy posts in a land where football passion is white hot and fans have very long memories?

Needs to get out of Scotland as quick as he can.

Adrian's books can be purchased at any good bookstore or through ebook alchemy. His first sci-fi novel (Asparagus Grass) will be published by Hague Publishing in early 2023.