Thursday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Canada are stepping up their efforts to convince Scott Arfield to play for them after his latest Scotland snub by using former Burnley star David Edgar to sound out the midfielder, whose dad was born in Toronto. (Sun)

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish says he has rediscovered his passion for the game after his managerial stint in Belgium with Racing Genk. (Herald)

Tom Boyd insists a Celtic treble would not be any less of an achievement because of the top-flight absence of Rangers (Various)

Scott Arfield has represented Scotland as far as under-21 level

Meanwhile the Parkhead club have accused the Scottish FA and rival clubs of taking advantage of their fans, claiming the £23 fans will have to pay for the North Stand at the Scottish Cup semi-final with Inverness is too high. (Various)

Hearts owner Ann Budge has set a minimum target of the top six next season when they return to the Scottish Premiership (Various)

Callum Paterson says the Tynecastle club will not take their foot off the gas against Rangers this weekend when the two clash at Ibrox, as they want to be the first club in 41 years to break the 100-goal mark in the second tier. (Daily Record)

Dundee manager Paul Hartley says he is keen to keep on-loan Hibs star Alex Harris at Dens Park (Daily Express)

Ex-Ibrox winger Neil McCann says it is "scandalous" the previous Rangers board sanctioned a deal that will see Newcastle pocket £500,000 if Rangers reach the Scottish Premiership. (Daily Star)

OTHER GOSSIP

Fight boss Alex Morrison is confident Commonwealth Games gold medallist Charlie Flynn will have no problem coping with the TV cameras when he takes on Andy "thunder" Harris in his second bout of his professional career. (Herald)