Wednesday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan believes his players were spooked by the intensity of England's play in the 3-1 defeat to the Auld Enemy in Tuesday night's friendly. (Various)

Derby County and Scotland striker Chris Martin admits he has a lot to learn after failing to make much of an impact against England defenders Chris Smalling and Gary Cahill. (Various)

England captain Wayne Rooney, who scored twice against Scotland, calls for the fixture to be played more frequently. (Daily Mail)

Dejected Scotland striker Chris Martin says it was one of his worst performances in a long time

Dundee United goalkeeper Radoslaw Cierzniak reveals there's been a great deal of interest from back home in Poland about Scotland's improved style of football. (Various)

French side Marseille sent scouts to watch Celtic striker John Guidetti against Inverness recently and could bid for the Swede in January. (Various)

Rangers chairman David Somers said the club accepted a loan from Mike Ashley rather than longer-term investment from Dave King because the South Africa-based businessman refused to prove he had the finance or reveal his backers. (Various)

Manager Alan Stubbs is "sure there will be a bit of activity" by Hibernian in the January transfer window as he tries to make up ground on leaders Hearts and Rangers in the Championship. (Daily Record)

Glasgow City general manager Laura Montgomery believes there may never have been a more exciting time for her club or for women's football in Scotland as they go into the draw for the last 16 of the Women's Champions League. (Daily Record)

Former Rangers owner Craig Whyte says he will fly back to Scotland next month after a warrant was issued for his arrest. (Various)

Rangers manager Ally McCoist refuses to accept that his team's visit to Championship leaders Hearts on Saturday is a title decider - the Jambos are six points clear of the Ibrox side. (The Sun)

Hugh Dallas has quit as the head of referees in Greek football after an official was attacked, an incident which has promoted the suspension of league football in the country. (The Herald)

OTHER GOSSIP

Glasgow Warriors and Scotland centre Mark Bennett described himself as "gutted" that a hamstring injury will keep him out of the first half of Scotland's Six Nations campaign. (Various)

Scotland rugby captain Greig Laidlaw warns that he and his team-mates will come up against the hardest man he has ever encountered when they play Tonga in the third of their autumn Tests on Saturday - 17st 4lb hooker Aleki Lutui. (Daily Mail)

And Laidlaw describes the defeat by Tonga at Pittodrie two years ago as the lowest point of his career. (Daily Express)