Sunday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Scotland boss Gordon Strachan has hinted there will be a role for striker Jordan Rhodes against Gibraltar this evening. (Various)

And Strachan insists Gibraltar are already a better side than they were at the start of the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. (Various)

Gibraltar's Scottish coach David Wilson has set his side the defensive task of conceding fewer goals at Hampden than they did against Germany - they lost 4-0 in Nuremberg last November. (Mail on Sunday)

Striker Steven Thompson says St Mirren can not afford to lose when the meet Motherwell in a fortnight and fears for the future of his career should the Paisley side fail to beat the drop. (Scotland on Sunday)

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson says he already has the nucleus of the squad he wants to play in the Premiership next season and wants to extend the contracts of Adam Eckerskley and Miguel Pallardo as well as signing on-loan striker Genero Zeefuik. (Sun)

Rangers manager Stuart McCall insists there has been no fallout with Kris Boyd despite leaving the striker out of his squad for the second successive weekend. (Sunday Times)

Hibernian manager Alan Stubbs described yesterday's 2-1 loss at Raith Rovers as "a smash and grab", with the Edinburgh side having scorned numerous chances in front of goal. (Various)

Sporting Lisbon's Ryan Gauld says Scotland U19 coach Ricky Sbragia is no "football dinosaur" following criticism of the decision to omit to Jack Harper and comments on the Real Madrid player's lack of physicality. (Various)

Following yesterday's 0-0 draw with Italy, Scotland U19s will qualify for the European Championship finals if they beat Croatia on Tuesday. (Various)

OTHER GOSSIP

Head coach Alan Solomons hailed Edinburgh's "great progress" after yesterday's 26-15 victory at Scarlets - the Welsh side's first home loss since Boxing Day 2013. (Various)

Rising rugby star Robbie Nairn, 18, has quit the Scottish development system to sign for Harlequins. (Mail on Sunday)

Commonwealth silver medallist Lynsey Sharp wants to see athletics follow tennis by getting tougher on drug cheats. (Mail on Sunday)