Wednesday's Scottish Gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Former Rangers and Scotland manager Walter Smith is calling on politicians to invest more to develop the next generation of footballers. (Daily Mail)

Blackburn striker Jordan Rhodes says he's ready to play at the weekend after withdrawing from the Scotland squad with a broken hand. (Daily Express)

Finland manager Mixu Paatelainen is backing striker Teemu Pukki to be a success at Celtic. (Daily Record)

Hibernian chairman Rod Petrie insists he did everything in his power to try and keep striker Leigh Griffiths at Easter Road. (Various)

Hearts midfielder Ryan Stevenson is on course for a return from a knee ligament injury next month, nearly five weeks ahead of schedule. (Daily Record)

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill is to look into the eligibility of Inverness CT's English-born playmaker James Vincent. (Sun)

Rangers manager Ally McCoist is waiting to discover if he has any money left to sign Marius Zaliukas or Boris Pandaza to shore up his defence. (Various)

Rangers keeper Scott Gallacher is set for a loan move to Airdrieonians. (Various)

OTHER GOSSIP

Edinburgh and Glasgow face the prospect of missing out on top level European rugby if plans for a breakaway tournament go ahead. (Daily Mail)

Revamped Ravenhill is a 20,000 sell-out for Ulster's home game against Glasgow Warriors on Friday. (Various)