Friday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

The next Scotland manager will not have to live in the country to land the job, with speculation linking England-based Gordon Strachan with the vacancy. (Sun)

Billy Stark has moved up the pecking order in the race to succeed Craig Levein following the victory in Luxembourg. (Express)

Benfica captain Luisao says he is relishing the prospect of facing next week's Champions League clash against Celtic after serving a two-match suspension. (Record)

Dunfermline boss Jim Jefferies believes they can look to his old club Hearts as they try to combat similar financial problems. (Various)

Goalkeeper Joe Hart has praised Celtic's Fraser Forster and admits he will prove a serious rival for the England number one's jersey. (Sun)

Shay Given has revealed he would love to return to Celtic and finish his career in Glasgow after a disappointing first spell. (Sun)

Hibs boss Pat Fenlon hopes the sight of striker Leigh Griffiths in a Scotland jersey can help the manager entice more quality players to Easter Road. (Various)

Rangers manager Ally McCoist says that Walter Smith, who has returned to the club to take a seat on the board, assured him he will not meddle in first-team affairs at Ibrox. (Sun)

Falkirk boss Steven Pressley has urged SPL chairmen to show "vision" by acting on proposals to reconstruct the top flight. (Herald)