Friday's Scottish Gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is refusing to rule defender Efe Ambrose out of Tuesday's Champions League tie with Juventus despite the Nigerian playing in Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final. (Various)

Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor has agreed a £4m switch to West Brom from Besiktas at the end of the season. (Daily Express)

Scotland will rise five places to 62nd in the Fifa rankings following Wednesday's 1-0 friendly win over Estonia. (Various)

And Scotland defender Andy Webster says former manager Craig Levein is wrong to say the squad lack the quality to succeed. (Various)

Teenage winger Marcus Maddison, recently released by Newcastle, hopes to sign for St Johnstone today. (Daily Express)

Former Hull boss Phil Brown is eager to take over at Partick Thistle and reckons he can make the First Division club the "third force in Scottish football". (Sun)

Inverness pair Richie Foran and Andrew Shinnie could face Celtic on Saturday despite both midfielders hobbling off with injuries last weekend. (Various)

St Johnstone midfielder Liam Craig will not hold back against Hibs on Monday - even though he has agreed a summer switch to Easter Road. (Various)

Hibs manager Pat Fenlon is disappointed his team only have three Saturday kick-offs between now and the league split. (Various)

Hearts have been allocated 25,500 tickets for the League Cup final, with St Mirren getting 17,500. (Herald)

England manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed he will be at Celtic Park on Tuesday to watch striker Gary Hooper in action against Juventus. (Daily Mail)

Former Hearts striker Calum Elliot has missed out on a deal with MLS side Houston Dynamo after a trial in Texas. (Daily Express)