Scottish Gossip: Euro 2016 Scotland v Germany build-up

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Scotland's preparations to face world champions Germany in Euro 2016 qualifying on Monday were hampered by a late return to Glasgow from Georgia. The charter flight was delayed on its way from Amsterdam, leaving the players hanging around Tbilisi airport for four hours. (Various)

The players are pictured waiting on their luggage at Glasgow Airport at 06:30 BST on Saturday morning, two-and-a-half days before playing Joachim Low's side. (Sunday Mail)

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given says his team cannot under-estimate Georgia as they look to consolidate third place in Group D with a win on Monday, while Scotland play Germany at Hampden. (Sun on Scotland)

Real Madrid and Germany playmaker Toni Kroos admits it could be "uncomfortable" for Germany at Hampden but says he and his team-mates are coming to take the decisive step towards automatic qualification. (Sunday Express)

Toni Kroos of Germany in action against Poland

Forward Steven Naismith argues that recent goals scored by Scotland against Spain and Germany prove that the team can do likewise against the world champions on Monday evening. (Sunday Mail)

German Stefan Klos, the former Rangers goalkeeper, thinks Germany will beat Scotland because he feels "it is hard to find a weakness" in his country's team. (Sun on Sunday)

Scotland's 1-0 loss in Georgia pleased Swansea and Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, who says it means automatic qualification is now in their hands. He feels Poland's loss to Germany was made "more bearable" by the result in Tbilisi. (Sun on Sunday)

Scotland assistant manager Mark McGhee claims Germany forward Thomas Muller is as good a player as he has ever seen up close. (Sun on Sunday)

Scotland boss Gordon Strachan believes a point against Germany would keep his team in with a chance of reaching France next summer. (Sunday Mail)

Scarlets' John Barclay was man of the match against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday

Scotland defender Russell Martin insists Strachan has come in for unfair criticism after the defeat by Georgia, pointing out that it is the first setback suffered by the manager since he took charge. (Sunday Express)

Former Celtic captain Tom Boyd believes manager Ronny Deila should play a new defensive line-up of Dedryck Boyata, Jozo Simunovic, Saidy Janko and Tyler Blackett against Aberdeen on Saturday. (Sun on Sunday)

Kenny Miller, in the final year of his contract at Rangers, wants to secure a new deal at Ibrox so he can play for the club in the Premiership. (Sunday Mail)

OTHER GOSSIP

Scarlets flanker John Barclay admitted he was "gutted" not to be included in Scotland's World Cup squad, but he was in fine form at Scotstoun on Saturday as he inspired the Welsh side to a "fantastic" 16-10 win over Glasgow Warriors in the Pro12. (Sun on Sunday)

Nathan Hines, brought into the Scotland coaching set-up by head coach Vern Cotter in May, says the players might feel more comfortable talking to him because he's "not as stern as big Vern". (Scotland on Sunday)