Scottish Gossip: World Cup draw, Scott Allan

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Manager Gordon Strachan cannot get excited about the prospect of facing England on the road to Russia 2018 because he is so focused on the remaining European Championship qualifiers. (Various)

And Strachan says "we understand most teams can beat us but we can beat most teams as well". (Various)

Former striker Joe Jordan says Scotland will have no fear in their matches against England after the rivals were drawn together in World Cup qualifying. (Sunday Mail)

Manager Roy Hodgson insists England's comfortable 3-1 friendly win at Celtic Park last year will count for nothing when they face Scotland in World Cup qualifying. (Sun)

Rangers target Scott Allan is now "at war" with Hibernian, with the player's representatives claiming the Easter Road are reneging on a verbal agreement that would allow him to move to "a bigger club" in the event of a bid. (Sunday Mail)

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths may have won a starting role in next week's Champions League qualifier against Qarabag after scoring in Saturday's 2-0 friendly win over Rennes, his fifth goal in little over a week. (Various)

Charlie Mulgrew limped off against the French side but manager Ronny Deila reckons the knee injury is not too serious. (Various)

The Celtic boss believes Aberdeen will again be the champions' biggest challengers in the new season and is tipping promoted Hearts to do well. (Various)

Kilmarnock manager Gary Locke is convinced Kris Boyd will get the goals to ensure there is no repeat of last season's brush with relegation. The 31-year-old scored twice in Saturday's 3-1 friendly win at Fleetwood. (Various)

Former manager Derek Adams does not think Ross County will be able to reach the top six this season. (Mail on Sunday)

Goalkeeper Mark Oxley admits Hibs' second-half slump in yesterday's 6-2 home loss to Rangers is a wake up call for their season's ambitions. (Sunday Mail)

Following their big win at Easter Road, Rangers boss Mark Warburton was unhappy with the first-half performance, rating it "a four out of 10". (Various)

Former Rangers midfielder Rhys McCabe has started a trial with Hibs after a spell training with St Johnstone. The 22-year-old was released by Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last season. (Mail on Sunday)

Ian Murray is amazed that it needed him to become St Mirren manager before a full-time club moved for Scott Agnew, who scored twice on his competitive debut yesterday. (Sun)