Friday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Newcastle and Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley has taken control of Rangers' retail wing, after it was also revealed he had bought the naming rights to Ibrox Stadium for £1. (Daily Record)

Former Rangers captain Richard Gough has urged the club's board to reach out to ex-Ibrox director Dave King for financial help, as he reacted with anger to news of the naming rights deal. (Scottish Sun: print edition)

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan believes his side are in a far better position to be facing Germany than they were when he took over. (Daily Record)

Strachan will set up his side to go for a win in their Euro 2016 qualifying opener against the Germans in Dortmund. (Scottish Daily Express)

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer says his side will not slip up against the Scots, despite their comprehensive 4-2 friendly defeat to Argentina on Wednesday night. (Daily Record)

Midfielder Toni Kroos also reckons Germany will be fired up to face Scotland after their mauling by Argentina. (Various)

Midfielder Barry Bannan has thanked national boss Strachan for keeping faith with him when his club managers did not. (Herald)

Celtic forward Jo Inge Berget has vowed to earn his spot in Ronny Deila's starting line-up despite the club signing strikers Stefan Scepovic and John Guidetti. (Daily Record)

Kilmarnock players have contacted the players' union over a bonus payment row with chairman Michael Johnston. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Glasgow Warriors captain Al Kellock says the club's growing band of supporters can help inspire his side to glory in the Pro12 this season. (Daily Record)

Edinburgh's Sean Kennedy cannot wait to take on Munster on Friday night, having supported the Irish outfit as a youngster. (Scottish Daily Express)

John McEnroe has questioned Andy Murray's ability to go the distance in Grand Slams, insisting the Scot's fitness levels are a major concern. (Daily Record)

Boris Becker, coach of Murray's US Open conqueror Novak Djokovic, says the British Number one played his best tennis in years as he lost out in the quarter-final at Flushing Meadows. (Scottish Sun: print edition)