Saturday's Scottish Gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Coach Gordon Strachan admits Scotland's 2-0 defeat by Belgium was akin to a flyweight being simply outmuscled by a heavyweight.

Full story: Daily Mail

But full-back Steven Whittaker insists the Scots are too good to finish bottom of World Cup qualifying Group A.

Full story: Daily Record (print edition)

And striker Jordan Rhodes believes Scotland are improving and showed that by matching the Belgians for long spells on Friday at Hampden.

Full story: The Sun (print edition)

St Johnstone goalkeeper Alan Mannus hopes to return early from a recent shoulder injury, targeting next weekend's meeting with Hibernian.

Full story: The Herald

But Hibs manager Pat Fenlon will resist the temptation to rush defenders James McPake and Tim Clancy back from injury by fielding them in a reserve fixture.

Full story: The Herald

Tam Cowan, co-host of BBC Radio Scotland's Off the Ball, has called on Scottish Premiership clubs to follow the example of Aberdeen by offering free admission to friendly matches after the Dons beat Viking Stravangar in front of 10,000 fans at Pittodrie on Wednesday evening. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Scottish boxer Jim Watt has tipped Ricky Burns to successfully defend his world lightweight title against Raymundo Beltran in Glasgow on Saturday night.

Full story: The Scotsman

But Watt has questioned promoter Eddie Hearn's claim that victory for Burns would make him Scotland's greatest ever fighter.

Full story: The Herald

Tennis great John McEnroe believes double Grand Slam winning Scot Andy Murray needs to take a break following his US Open exit this week or risk suffering burnout.

Full story: Daily Mail