Sunday's Scottish Gossip: Celtic, Szmodics, Rangers, Clement, Hearts, Hibs, St Johnstone, Ross County
- Published
Sammie Szmodics is attracting attention in England and Scotland
Celtic are set to rival Brentford for the signature of Blackburn Rovers attacker Sammie Szmodics this summer, with the 28-year-old's fine form leading to a recent international debut for the Republic of Ireland. (Football Insider), external
Alistair Johnston's Canada will open the 2024 Copa America against Lionel Messi's Argentina and the Celtic right-back expects to face "80,000 fans screaming his name" in Atlanta. (Scotsman - subscription), external
A club versus country row is on the cards for Celtic after South Korea included winger Yang Hyun-jun in their Olympic squad for the Asian Under-23s Cup next month, despite their manager hinting he would be left out. (Sunday Mail), external
Meanwhile, Celtic want to make Paulo Bernardo, who is on loan from Benfica with an option to buy of £6m, a permanent signing this summer and believe they can develop the 22-year-old midfielder into a £20m player. (Football Insider), external
Manager Philippe Clement admits Rangers are not playing at their best, despite beating Hibernian to move top of the Scottish Premiership. (Herald - subscription), external
But Clement is "confident we can win against anybody". (Record), external
Manager Nick Montgomery bemoaned "basic errors" in Hibs' 3-1 Ibrox loss. (Scotsman - subscription), external
Dexter Lembikisa is open to extending his stay at Hearts beyond his current loan spell from Wolves. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external
Hearts head coach Steven Naismith felt his side lacked sharpness in Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Kilmarnock. (Scotsman - subscription), external
Players returning to training from international duty as late as Friday affected Hearts before Killie's visit, says Naismith. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external
St Johnstone manager Craig Levein refused to criticise Dimitar Mitov following the goalkeeper's error in the 2-1 home defeat by Dundee. (Courier - subscription required), external
Scottish Premiership second-bottom club Ross County are showing signs they are good enough to stave off relegation, says interim boss Don Cowie. (Press and Journal - subscription), external
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