The Filip Helander situation is an intriguing one. The Swede has confirmed no contract talks have begun, and he’s one in the same boat as many whose deal expires summer 23.

The contract talks we know of taking place concern Scott Arfield only, but we suspect the ex-Canuck international (wonder if he’ll come out of retirement for the world cup…) might struggle to get a good deal such has been his fringe status this season, for right or wrong.

But Helander? He’s had serious injuries since joining the Famous. He’s missed almost a full calendar year of matches, and he’s only been here since summer 2019.

He’s not actually been value for money, regardless of how good a stopper he is, and this may be why contract chat isn’t yet underway.

Or is there more to it?

How about the fact that he’s over a year from the end of his deal and we don’t NEED to start contract negotiations yet?

This isn’t a marquee asset – we like and rate him a lot, but an ever-present he hasn’t been, and he hasn’t really earned the right to get top billing for contract negotiations.

So it’s not a concern. And it’s certainly not worthy of the negative headlines the Scottish press are contriving over it.

Helander’s future will take care of itself, and we’ll see if the Swede can regain fitness and a foothold in the team to show he’s worth extending.