We've now got to put the screws under teams and try to go clear. We need to get our bad periods from the past out of our system – starting at Brighton.

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Obviously, Gus Poyet has gone in there and they had a great win at Southampton, a great confidence-booster.

We know about Gus; he's very good in the dressing room and was popular when he was here. But there are no friends in business, as they say, and it's back to work. Let's go to Brighton and do our stuff.

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We've lots of games to play, plus we are in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and the FA Cup. But without being disrespectful to the cup competitions, our main thing is getting out of this league this year.

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We have a healthy situation with the squad, although a few of the lads haven't been over-involved. But I'm sure over the next few months, they will be.

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Hopefully, we won't get any injuries and things will go to plan but when you have such a frenetic period, you are going to pick up the odd suspension. Some will get the chance to show Simon they are worthy of a regular place.

Max Gradel's signed on loan again and he's the type of player who can change a game. He can brighten things up and has his little tricks and he can change a match for you. He's already come on a couple of times and done that. He's another player Simon's got in his squad now.

The likes of Rui Marques and Shane Higgs are due to come back as well, plus we've had one or two little knocks and the likes of Robert Snodgrass and Jermaine Beckford have had 10 days to get over them and they should be up and ready to run now as well.

Obviously, the Scotland situation has been highlighted this week after George Burley got the sack and, for me, you can't really blame George.

Yes, you can say we've not got the great players of old and he could have expected a little bit more effort but when a team is losing on a regular basis, confidence is low. Really the Scottish Football Association was left with no alternative but to change things. It's hard on George, but that's the name of the game. Let's hope whoever gets the job freshens things up. But it's going to be hard because the Billy Bremners, Kenny Dalglishs and Jimmy Johnstones of this world just aren't around anymore.

In terms of the new man, I don't think somebody who is in a job will want it. The likes of Craig Levein are secure in their jobs so why should they go for the Scotland job – it's a bit of a poisoned chalice!

They might give a fresh face a chance. Joe Jordan has been mentioned, he's doing a good job at Tottenham and you wouldn't think he'd want to do it. Gordon Strachan's also just taken over at Middlesbrough.

Gary McAllister's not in work, so it might be a perfect chance for him. Gary, pictured, turned down the assistant's job about three months ago.

Obviously, they were thinking about him before and it would be a good challenge for Gary. He's a very proud Scotsman and I'm sure he'd love it.