Scottish Gossip: Motherwell, Maloney & Marshall

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Motherwell's board made the decision to sack Ian Baraclough after hearing the club's fans mock the struggling manager during Tuesday's League Cup loss to Morton. (Daily Record)

And Fir Park owner Les Hutchison says the players should be "ashamed" at their part in the manager's demise. (Various)

Motherwell skipper Keith Lasley describes new interim manager Stephen Craigan as "a safe pair of hands", adding that his former Fir Park team-mate "knows the game inside out". (Sun)

Hibs boss Alan Stubbs said "I always fancied us" and "you don't beat a team that's top of the Premiership by luck" following last night's 2-0 League Cup win over Aberdeen. (Various)

Head coach Robbie Neilson is full of praise for Hearts' fighting spirit after their 3-2 League Cup win at Kilmarnock but says his team will be in trouble if they defend the same way against Celtic at the weekend. (Daily Record)

Simon Lappin, on target at Ibrox on Tuesday, reckons St Johnstone's 3-1 win over Rangers can kick-start a sluggish start to the season from the Perth side. (Daily Record)

Former Hibs boss Pat Fenlon is playing down links to the Under-20s coaching role at Celtic, saying he is committed to Shamrock Rovers. (Daily Record)

Scotland star Shaun Maloney is well ahead of schedule in his recovery from a hamstring tear suffered in the 3-2 loss to Germany and says he will be fit for next month's double-header with Poland and Gibraltar. (Various)

Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall will be on the sidelines until the Poland clash at Hampden after picking up a two-match ban at Cardiff. (Various)

Falkirk striker John Baird insists Tuesday's 7-0 League Cup thrashing at Ross County will not derail the Bairns' Championship push. (Sun)

Scotland U21 midfielder Lewis McLeod is close to making his first appearance in more than 10 months as he nears full fitness at Brentford following a string of injury setbacks since his switch from Rangers. (Various)

Managers' union chief Alex Smith is calling on the SPFL's main sponsor Ladbrokes to suspend betting on the sack race for managers. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Inspectors arrive at Gleneagles today to assess the course as a potential venue for the Solheim Cup in 2019. (Various)

Captain Greig Laidlaw said Scotland knew Japan would fade in yesterday's World Cup clash, with Vern Cotter's winning side running in 33 second-half points. (Various)

Scotland's opening victory was built on cool heads and resolute defence, says former international centre Scott Hastings. (Times)