Gaze fixated upon a computer screen, a tight deadline to meet, and the horrifying inevitability that your stance won't be unanimously accepted.

If Nick Walsh ever decides to call time on his spell as a top-level official in Scotland then there are column inches waiting.

This weekend, the whistler will be in the unenviable position of head VAR official for Rangers against Celtic. It's a thankless task in any fixture, never mind a crucial title encounter with a television audience in the millions.

Much has been made of John Beaton's appointment as referee for the contest - but I'd wager he'd rather be the man in the middle than the man with the microphone.

Sure, it all appears fairly straightforward when the occasion of half-time or full-time analysis rolls around - but constant checks over every last incident throughout 90 minutes? No thanks.

That's not in slight to suggest Beaton will have it easy with 50,000 offering instant feedback on his decisions at Ibrox - or the nowadays inescapable critiquing of his calls which can rumble on for weeks.

However, any reasonable football fan would accept there ought to be a level of understanding afforded when a referee makes a mistake in the heat of the moment. 

There's not always the perfect angle, blink at the wrong second and an incident is missed, follow the action and an off-the-ball goes unnoticed. It's only natural that referees will make mistakes.

Search VAR on X, the homeplace of reasoned debate and informed opinion formerly known as Twitter, and it's a whole different story. To an extent, there is reason buried amongst the vitriol and tin-foil conspiracy theories.

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Look at the facts, Walsh - like all VAR officials this season - will have a multitude of camera angles, he'll have a little more time than Beaton and he'll have a number of decisions, including offsides, taken out of his hands by decisive screenshots.

In the courtroom of Scottish football - I shudder at the thought - Beaton's account of events would face lesser scrutiny due to the instant reaction required and aforementioned pitch-level struggles.

What there is less defending, though, is the protocol followed and eventual decision or recommended course of action landed upon by the VAR after a lengthy delay signalled by the increasingly infamous and infuriating 'finger to the ear' gesture.

In theory, Walsh should have ample time to review incidents and offer an informed and eloquent recommendation to Beaton, whether that be for a factual decision or a request for review.

In actuality, there is still incredible time pressure on those situated within Clydesdale House. There mightn't be the roar or collective groan of an impatient 50,000-strong crowd but those in the booth know there is not an infinite time to reach a verdict - after all, they've been in the opposite position.

The critical difference, though, comes with the issue of identifying any incident, following protocol to the letter and reaching the correct decision - all without straying into matters not "clear and obvious" whatever that means in the modern game.

There's every chance Walsh - who will be assisted by Frank Connor - could face just as much criticism for his choice, rightly or wrongly, whether or not to get involved with on-field decisions.

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Again, within the myriad of stances on VAR and especially within derby contests between Celtic and Rangers, there is reason for scepticism on its involvement.

Set aside the numerous incorrect verdicts reached in trial-by-VAR this season across the league season and just consider those in the two fixtures between Glasgow's title rivals.

Then you're left with two sets of supporters, and club officials, at loggerheads over pivotal calls. 

Back in September, those of a Rangers persuasion had been left dismayed by the decision to disallow a Kemar Roofe strike at Ibrox after a VAR review led to the decision to punish Cyriel Dessers for a foul on Gustaf Lagerbielke.

Then, in December VAR process was under the microscope as fierce claims for a Rangers penalty were waved away after Alistair Johnston appeared to handle in the box.

Replays showed Abdallah Sima was offside in the build-up meaning the correct decision was reached even if the process and explanation for the incident were less than convincing.

In a match, nay a title race, that could be swung on one decision - every single VAR intervention or the opposite will face intense scrutiny.

One wrong move and VAR, again, becomes enemy number one for those feeling aggrieved by decisions. 

Beaton will face the flak on the day for any perceived incorrect or controversial calls but Walsh - acting in the failsafe role as head VAR - will then be judged on his influence on the match.

At least in Walsh, Beaton will have a trusted colleague able to - in theory - provide a more informed take on incidents. Unfortunately for Walsh, the buck stops with him and that's a serious weight to bear.

There's no doubt in my mind that our officials will be striving to be on top of their game on Sunday - they're not oblivious to the implications of a wrong call - and it's certainly an occasion that can prove testing for officials, on and off the pitch.

All that to say, best of luck to Nick Walsh on Sunday. Of course, it's a massive opportunity but it's also a huge responsibility that comes with retrospective criticism and re-refereeing. I'll stick with the countless column rewrites.