Wednesday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Billy Stark was immediately installed as the 6-4 favourite to become the new manager of Motherwell following Stuart McCall's departure on Sunday after the former Queen's Park boss quit as Scotland Under-21 coach. (The Scotsman)

Exiting Scotland Under-21 coach Billy Stark has had his name put forward for the Motherwell manager's job, but the club will not make their choice until next week and Fulham Under-21 coach Peter Grant, former Ross County boss Derek Adams and former St Mirren manager Danny Lennon are others interested. (The Sun, print edition)

Scotland assistant manager Mark McGhee has ruled out a return to Motherwell to succeed Stuart McCall, who resigned on Sunday. (Daily Express, print edition)

Former Rangers and Scotland midfielder Barry Ferguson has apologised "unreservedly" to Clyde's fans and directors after accepting a one-match ban for swearing at supporters during his side's shock Scottish Cup exit to Spartans at the weekend. (The Scotsman)

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has no ­problem with Scotland fans booing Glasgow-born midfielders Aiden McGeady and James McCarthy in the game against the Republic of Ireland next week so long as it is done for purely football reasons rather than their choice not to play for the country of their birth. (The Herald)

Fulham youth boss Peter Grant is said to be interested in the Motherwell manager's job

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan believes ticket prices are too expensive to tell anyone attending next Friday's clash between Scotland and Ireland what to say. (The Scotsman)

Gordon Strachan has urged the Tartan Army to treat Aiden McGeady and James McCarthy like a pair of panto villains when the Everton midfielders face his Scotland side. (Daily Record)

Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher believes he is approaching the peak of his powers ahead of Scotland's Euro 2016 qualifier against Ireland next Friday after scoring twice against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Monday. (The Herald)

Rangers midfielder Lewis MacLeod was so stunned to be called up for Scotland he refused to believe it until he saw manager Gordon Strachan announcing his squad on TV. (Daily Record)

Brondby have told Celtic they must reduce the asking price for Teemu Pukki if the Scottish champions want to sell the on-loan striker. (Inside Futbol)

St Johnstone midfielder Murray Davidson has admitted he was lucky he did lose the sight in one eye after the collision with Nicky Law that ended his participation in St Johnstone's League Cup defeat to Rangers. (The Herald)

Midfielder Nicky Riley, who has been on loan to Peterhead, has left Dundee by "mutual consent", the Scottish Premiership club have confirmed. (Evening Telegraph)

Rangers midfielder Megan Sneddon, who has been capped 118 times but was not picked for the World Cup play-off defeat by the Netherlands, has criticised Scotland coach Anna Signeul's tactics. (East Kilbride News, print edition)

OTHER GOSSIP

Danny Brough is likely to be missing as Scotland collect their Rugby League European Championship trophy at a presentation at the sport's head offices later this week as their captain will be at a Huddersfield Giants pre-season boot camp. (The Herald)

Stephen Maguire says he is on the brink of quitting snooker at the age of 33 because of his slip down to number 14 in the world rankings. (Daily Express, print edition)

Veteran boxer Scott Harrison, who will return to the ring next month, is convinced he can get his hands on another world title - despite the prospect of a second jail term in Spain hanging over his head. (Evening Times)