Scottish Gossip: Scott Brown, Robert Snodgrass, Celtic, Rangers, Hearts

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Celtic captain says his return for Scotland is underpinned by his respect for manager Gordon Strachan but will take his time to decide if this is a one-off against England or the beginning of a prolonged second international stint. (Scotsman)

Robert Snodgrass is winning his fitness battle to face England next week, having returned to training at Hull after an ankle injury. (Daily Express, print edition)

Rangers manager Mark Warburton worries that the winter break will deny players the chance of a decent rest over the summer. (Herald)

Sweden defender Mikael Lustig has opened talks on a contract extension at Celtic Park. (Sun, print edition)

Lustig, 29, joined Celtic in January 2012

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is urging Emilio Izaguirre to play his way into a new contract while first choice left-back Kieran Tierney is out injured. (Daily Mail)

Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong is thriving in a central role, saying that playing on the left last season was a "developing frustration". (Scotsman)

Hibernian midfielder John McGinn feared he would lose his Scotland squad place to the returning Scott Brown but is now delighted he can learn from the Celtic captain. (Scotsman)

Hearts defender Igor Rossi has shelved talks on extending his deal, with the 27-year-old Brazilian admitting his long-term plans remain uncertain. (Daily Record)

Former Rangers midfielder Alex Rae hopes his old club move on from the "sorry Joey Barton saga" and expects the Englishman to move on in January. (Evening Times)

Ross County boss Jim McIntyre thinks the key to success against Rangers on Sunday will be keeping veteran striker Kenny Miller quiet. (Daily Record, print edition)

Rossi has been an ever-present for Hearts this season

Inverness CT manager Richie Foran believes Lonsana Doumbouya can build on his call up by Guinea and score 15-20 goals for the Highlanders this season. (Sun, print edition)

Hamilton midfielder Darian MacKinnon is proud to be reaching 150 appearances for the club after taking the long route to the professional games through the amateur and junior ranks. (Various)

SFA chief executive Stewart Regan thinks the presence of scouts from around the world at this week's under-16 Victory Shield tournament in Edinburgh is proof of a bright future for Scotland. (Daily Record)

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton reckons the chance missed by Callum McGregor in this week's draw at Borussia Monchengladbach has wiped out any chance of progressing to the Europa League. (Daily Record)

Ahead of Sunday's final with holders Glasgow City, midfielder Lucy Graham says it will be a dream come true if Hibs Ladies can match the men and bring the Scottish Cup back to Easter Road. (The National)

OTHER GOSSIP

Andy Murray "definitely deserves" to get to number one in the world if he beats Milos Raonic in today's Paris Masters semi-final, according to the man he aims to usurp, Novak Djokovic. (ATP World Tour)

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend reckons referees should always consult video assistants if red cards are an option. Langilangi Haupeakui was shown two yellow cards by Irish official Dave Wilkinson last week, only for them both to be overturned by a Pro12 disciplinary panel. (Daily Express, print edition)

John Higgins takes on Stuart Bingham in today's final of the inaugural China Championship, hoping to land his first title of the season. (Eurosport)