Thursday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan expects a bruising encounter when his side take on Republic of Ireland in Euro 2016 qualifying next month, and admits passing football may take a back seat in the crucial match at Celtic Park. (Daily Record)

Strachan says he cannot ask for more from his players than the trust, respect, pride and Group D points they have already provided him with. (Various)

Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill insists his team's late leveller to earn a 1-1 draw with world champions Germany was massive ahead of their meeting with Scotland. (Daily Record)

Defender Stephen Ward has warned Scotland that the Republic of Ireland are determined to protect their unbeaten start to Group D when they meet Scotland. (Star)

Germany defender Mats Hummels admits the pressure is on the World Cup winners after following up a 2-0 defeat in Poland with a home draw against Ireland. (Daily Record)

Winger Ikechi Anya has expressed his pride in Scotland's start to the Group D campaign, having picked up four points from three games. (Daily Record)

Hibernian midfielder Dylan McGeouch is desperate for a derby win over Edinburgh rival Hearts

Former Scotland winger Neil McCann believes the national side's new passing style will have neutral fans glued to their televisions. (Scottish Sun: print edition)

Poland striker Robert Lewandowski has hit out at Scotland defender Gordon Greer and labelled a challenge the Brighton man made on him in Tuesday's 2-2 draw in Warsaw "brutal". (Scottish Sun: print edition)

Georgia manager Temuri Ketsbaia wants his players to show the same passion as Scotland do, and reckons if they do they can become Group D challengers. (Various)

Legia Warsaw boss Henning Berg has tipped fellow-Norwegian Ronny Deila to lead a revolution at Celtic, just like Arsene Wenger did at Arsenal. (Daily Record)

Berg has, however, expressed his disappointment at Celtic's conduct when his team were kicked out of the Champions League for fielding an ineligible player against the Scots, despite winning their qualifying tie 6-1 on aggregate. (Various)

Inverness defender Gary Warren is delighted to be playing a passing style of football in the Highlands, after years of plying his trade in England's lower leagues. (Daily Record)

Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson would love to see would-be investor Dave King take control of the Ibrox outfit. (Various)

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has piled praise on Hamilton Academical and their manager Alex Neil for their great start to the Premiership season. (Star)

Hibernian midfielder Dylan McGeouch believes a win over Hearts at Easter Road next weekend could kick-start the club's Championship title bid. (Scotsman)

OTHER GOSSIP

Glasgow flanker Rob Harley is desperate to see the Warriors repeat their win over Bath at Firhill when they face the English side at Scotstoun in Euro action on Saturday. (Daily Record)