John McGinn insists leaving Aston Villa never crossed his mind despite a summer during which the Premier League club was forced to offload players to comply with Uefa financial rules and the Scotland midfielder was linked with moves to the likes of Newcastle United and Manchester United. (Daily Record), external
Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Andy Robertson could move to Celtic as early as January, with the Scotland captain open to a pre-contract agreement with his boyhood club, but a one-year extension with Liverpool also remains an option for the 31-year-old left-back. (TeamTalk), external
Scotland right-back Calvin Ramsay is expected to secure a loan move from Liverpool in January, with several English Football League clubs monitoring the 22-year-old's situation closely. (Daily Mail, print edition)
Scotland centre-half Jack Hendry, who is out of contract next summer, has defended the strength of the Saudi Pro League as he revealed he is currently considering extending his two-and-a-half-year stay with Al-Ettifaq. (Scotland On Sunday), external
Ruben Amorim's decision to include Jack Fletcher, the 18-year-old son of former Scotland midfielder Darren, among Manchester United's substitutes for Saturday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur preserved an 88-year record of having at least one academy player in their squad for a top-flight match. (Football Transfers), external
Denmark look likely to be without Newcastle United striker William Osula for their World Cup qualifier in Scotland this month after he picked up an injury. (The Herald On Sunday), external
Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSScott Bain says Falkirk have helped him rekindle his passion for football after several seasons as a back-up at Celtic.
The 33-year-old joined the Premiership newcomers on a one-year deal after his contract at Parkhead expired and has since made 14 appearances.
Bain was named in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Denmark having won the last of his three international caps in 2019.
Scotland's regular first-choice Angus Gunn is out injured and he believes his move to Falkirk has thrust him back into contention.
"It was all about getting regular games, playing again," he said. "I wanted to see if I still had this desire and hunger.
"And thankfully, after a couple of weeks, I knew that I did. I'd still had that fire in the belly, as they say, and wanted to improve and be better. And over the course of the pre-season, I got my eye back in and I felt really good and really comfortable."
Bain won 14 major honours with Celtic, but had dropped to third choice in his final season.
He was full of praise for Celtic and his time there, but says he missed the "buzz" of being involved on matchday and his priorities in life had shifted.
"There were times when I thought, that's fine," he said of his situation in Glasgow. "Monday to Friday, really enjoyed it, training hard. Everything at the club was fantastic.
"And then it would come to a Saturday and you'd do the warm up. You'd feel the buzz of the game and then the boys would go out. If you weren't on the bench you'd be sat there and you'd think, 'what's the point?' It's difficult.
"If I was just me and had no responsibilities, then I think I probably would have left earlier. But me and my partner, we have a young boy now. So I think the responsibilities of that sort of kept me in.
"Yeah, I get paid well. I get everything that I need. I'm missing the game, but overall, is this going to benefit my family more to be here? And I think at the time it did.
"But the last year I wasn't on the bench really at all. I felt like to go through life without the purpose and the motivation to get better and to play football and to really enjoy it every day. It took over and I needed to get that back."
Image source, SNSLawrence Shankland has his sights on next year's World Cup after returning to the Scotland squad for this month's qualifiers against Greece and Denmark.
The Hearts captain took his tally for the season to 10 goals in last weekend's 4-0 win over Dundee, which extended the Edinburgh club's Premiership lead to nine points.
The 30-year-old was overlooked for the first four games of Scotland's campaign, with a play-off place already assured after three wins and a draw.
"It's good to be back involved," said Shankland, who won the last of his 16 caps almost a year ago.
"Obviously it's been a wee while, now I'm back in, which I've done a few times to be fair.
"I've always found that if I'm in good form and scoring goals, I've had a shout at getting selected.
"I'm in a good place, the club's in a good place."
Shankland was chosen for Euro 2024, appearing as a late substitute in all three group games for Steve Clarke's side.
"I've had a taste of a major tournament and to go and be involved with Scotland at the World Cup is obviously an ambition," he added. "Hopefully we can go and do that."
A win or a draw in Athens followed by victory over Denmark at Hampden would earn Scotland top spot in Group C and automatic qualification.
Shankland is joined in the squad by Tynecastle team-mate Craig Gordon, who is likely to add to his 81 caps despite not playing a first-team game this season.
"He'll be ready," he said of the veteran goalkeeper. "He's shown that in the past when he's not been playing and he's been required be that either at club or international level.
"He trains properly, keeps himself right and, if he's called upon, I'm confident we're ready to go."
Head coach Derek McInnes believes more of his Hearts players deserve Scotland recognition. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external
Image source, SNSFalkirk boss John McGlynn has hailed Scott Bain's "fairytale" Scotland recall after helping to revive the goalkeeper's career.
Bain, 33, was third choice at Celtic and hadn't played a first-team game for more than a year when released in the summer.
McGlynn took a "risk" by snapping up Bain on a one-year deal and he has started all 11 games on Falkirk's Premiership return to earn a first Scotland summons in six years for the World Cup qualifying double-header against Greece and Denmark.
"I wanted to bring in an experienced goalkeeper, someone who had played in the league," said McGlynn.
"Of course there's a little bit of risk, because he hadn't played for so long, but everyone knew what Scott had done previously.
"He's just got better and better and better. He's had some amazing performances. Even at Tynecastle where we lost, he saved us from an absolute doing.
"He's been like that virtually every game, making saves. His distribution was a big part of why I wanted to bring him in. He's a ready-made player.
"The goalies that were keeping him out [at Celtic] were Joe Hart and Kasper Schmeichel, top drawer. You can understand why Scott would maybe end up a little bit in the background, but I'm absolutely delighted at where he is now.
"I'm delighted he's got this call-up, it speaks volumes for him. It's been such a long time, we must have wondered would that opportunity ever arise again.
"He's a great boy to work with, he's enjoying his time here. It's a fairytale from where he's been to where he is right now."
Image source, Getty ImagesAston Villa captain John McGinn has signed a new deal to extend his stay with the club until 2028.
The 31-year-old joined the club from Hibernian in August 2018 and is one short of 300 games for Villa across all competitions.
In that time he has scored 33 goals and provided 41 assists.
A key figure for the West Midlands side, he was named club captain by then manager Steven Gerrard in 2022, replacing defender Tyrone Mings in the role.
McGinn has played in all 14 matches so far this season, scoring three times and providing one assist.
The Scotland international is the latest to sign a new contract with the club following defender Matty Cash last week.
Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic says Scotland midfielder Lennon Miller "could have done better" and "lost a lot of balls" after the 19-year-old's latest substitute appearance against Juventus. (Daily Record), external
Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Kenny Crawford
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSFalkirk defender Liam Henderson says goalkeeper Scott Bain is a "rock" who has to start for Scotland in their vital World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Denmark.
Steve Clarke's side are aiming to avoid defeat away to the Greeks and then beat Denmark at Hampden to seal automatic qualification for next summer's tournament.
Bain, 33, has been called up for the first time since 2019 with first-choice Angus Gunn injured.
Liam Kelly and Craig Gordon are the other goalkeepers in the Scotland squad, but neither are currently featuring for Rangers or Hearts respectively.
"Scott's been outstanding this season so far," Henderson told BBC Radio Scotland.
"I think he should be starting for Scotland. They've got other goalkeepers who have not had a lot of game-time and Scott's been amazing this season. Hopefully he gets a chance and does well."
John McGlynn's Bairns currently lie fifth in the Premiership in their first season back in the top flight and Henderson believes Bain - a summer arrival from Celtic - takes a good portion of the credit for that.
"He's been a huge part of our success this season with his experience on and off the pitch," the former Arbroath defender said.
"Especially for myself playing centre-back, you've got that rock behind you and he's talking all the time to try to organise. It's huge for him and for us as a club to have someone in the Scotland squad.
"A big part of having a goalie behind you is knowing you have a lot of confidence there - and that you trust him. So, when your backline is breached or there are shots on target, that he's going to be there and make saves. He's done that all season."
Image source, SNSSteve Clarke (left) relies on Chris Woods (right) for goalkeeping advice
Steve Clarke will again lean on former England number one Chris Woods' tutelage of Scotland's goalkeeping department going into this month's crunch 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Denmark.
Angus Gunn, frozen out at Nottingham Forest, played in the opening four Group C games from which the Scots took 10 points to sit behind leaders Denmark on goal difference.
But Gunn has picked up a knee injury and head coach Clarke has recalled Falkirk's Scott Bain for the trip to Piraeus on 15 November and the return game against the Danes at Hampden Park three days later, the 33-year-old having won the last of his three caps in 2019.
Bain joins 42-year-old Hearts number two Craig Gordon and Rangers back-up Liam Kelly and all three will again be assessed by Woods when the squad travel to Turkey for their warm weather training camp ahead of the Greece game.
The Scots likely need to take at least a point against the already-eliminated Greeks to set up a shoot-out against Denmark and 81-times capped Gordon's experience makes him the most likely first pick.
Clarke, though, will take the guidance of Woods before making his decision.
"Woodsy, he loves all his goalies - he loves them all," the head coach said. "He was happy with everybody [in the last squad].
"He eventually came to me and said you need to make the decision because they've all trained really well.
"There was nothing between the three of them. I've said that on a number of occasions about the goalkeeping group.
"They work really well together. There's a good harmony among them.
"They understand how difficult it is to be the number one goalie and then how difficult it is to be the number two and how difficult it is to be the number three.
"They all seem to buy into whatever role they're asked to do. It's something that people make a lot of.
"I don't worry too much about it, if I'm being honest, because I've got great confidence in Chris and the goalkeeping squad."
Liverpool are keen to secure Calvin Ramsay a loan move in January following an impressive run of form that led to the Scotland right-back start against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup. (This Is Anfield), external
Hearts will likely reject any move from Kilmarnock to land Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon on an emergency loan. (Scottish Sun), external
Kilmarnock approached Hearts about an emergency loan deal for goalkeeper Zander Clark but have been offered fourth choice Harry Stone instead. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSSteve Clarke says it is "important" to have free-scoring Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland back in his Scotland squad because "if you need someone in the squad for goals, Lawrence is your man".
Shankland takes the place of Hibernian striker Kieron Bowie and joins Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes and George Hirst as Clarke's forward options for this month's crucial World Cup qualifying double-header against Greece and Denmark.
A recall to the squad is a reward for Shankland's stunning start to the season, in which he has scored 10 goals in all competitions for the Scottish Premiership leaders.
"Lawrence has been good, he's hit the ground running again this season," Clarke said. "His team are flying at the top of the league. Lawrence is getting his goals.
"If you need someone in the squad for goals, Lawrence is your man."
"He's shown he can be a part of the Scotland squad before. He's been involved in a lot of squads, he's got the experience.
"I think in these two games coming up we're going to need experienced players and Lawrence has certainly got that experience to help us.
"I have a good relationship with most of my players. Lawrence is one. We are always very honest with each other.
"He's a good player. He's a striker who lives on goals, thrives on goals. He's the captain of a Hearts team who're doing very well at the moment.
"He's in a good place and when you've got a striker in a good place scoring goals, it's important to get them involved."
Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSHead coach Steve Clarke has been facing the media after naming his Scotland squad for November's crucial World Cup qualifying double-header with Greece and Denmark.
Here are the key lines:
Clarke says he's got three good goalkeepers to choose from and will monitor them in training before deciding who will play in the upcoming qualifiers, which could take the country to its first men's World Cup since 1998.
Number one keeper Angus Gunn has been ruled out for six weeks after tweaking the medial ligament in his knee, with the Falkirk's Scott Bain brought back into the fold having last been capped six years ago.
Despite not playing for Hearts this season, veteran keeper Craig Gordon will also vie for a starting spot along with Rangers' Liam Kelly, who's only featured once for the Ibrox side this term.
Clarke revealed he's had text messages from Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour, who had to come off injured during his last club game, assuring him he will be fit to play against Greece a week on Saturday.
The Scotland boss says defender Aaron Hickey is also fully fit and back training despite limping off against Belarus last month.
"Aaron is fully fit and back in training," Clarke said. "Billy got injured and had to come off for Napoli, but I've spoken to him by text and he says he should be OK."
Clarke says he's delighted to recall the Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, who has scored 10 goals in all competitions for the Premiership leaders this season.
Clarke added "we would have been delighted to be in this position" of having guaranteed a play-off spot at worst before the qualifiers began.
Defenders Josh Doig and Ross McCrorie have also been added to a squad that is slightly larger than normal, with the national team boss taking the players to Turkey for a warm weather training camp to prepare for the double-header.
Clarke accepts Scotland are highly likely to require at least a draw in Greece to ensure a winner-takes-all clash with Denmark at Hampden, with the winner of the group automatically qualifying for next summer's World Cup.
Brondby defender Luis Binks, 24, has expressed a desire to play for Scotland, having represented both England and Scotland at youth level. (Scotsman - subscription required), external
Denmark have suffered a blow before this month's crucial World Cup qualifier in Scotland after Wolfsburg full-back Joakim Maehle was ruled out of the game. (Herald - subscription required), external
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has been handed a welcome boost before November's World Cup qualifying double-header with Greece and Denmark after key defender Aaron Hickey returned to training with Brentford this week following injury. (Scotsman - subscription required), external
Former Scotland defender David Weir has become Strasbourg sporting director. (Sun), external
Image source, SNSNottingham Forest goalkeeper Angus Gunn could be a doubt for Scotland's crucial World Cup qualifying double header next month.
National head coach Steve Clarke will name his squad to face Greece and Denmark next week.
But, speaking before Saturday's Premier League meeting with Manchester United, Forest manager Sean Dyche said: "Angus Gunn, who is currently not playing but is obviously part of the squad, he's opened up his knee ligaments."
Dyche gave no indication of the length of time the 29-year-old would be on the sidelines.
However, the latest blow comes on top of the fact Gunn has not featured for Forest since signing a one-year contract this summer after leaving Norwich City.
His only outings this season have been Scotland's four previous World Cup qualifiers.
Gunn, who has 20 caps for Scotland, said last month he would be looking at a possible move in January if he did not get more game time with his club.
He expressed disappointment at not having received promised game time under two managers - Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou - and that has continued in two games under new boss Dyche before the goalkeeper's injury blow.
Scotland are behind Denmark on goal difference at the top of Europe's Group C qualifying group before visiting Greece on 15 November and then hosting the Danes three days later in what will be a head-to-head for the automatic qualification place, with the runner-up progressing to the play-offs.
The two other goalkeepers in Clarke's last squad - Heart of Midlothian's Craig Gordon and Rangers' Liam Kelly - have also found themselves on the bench for their clubs.
Image source, SNSScott McTominay has scored 13 goals in 65 Scotland appearances
Tottenham are keen on signing 28-year-old Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay from Napoli. (Teamtalk), external
Scotland cap Calvin Ramsay could be in line for a shock Liverpool recall for Wednesday's League Cup tie at home to Crystal Palace - three years after his last senior game for the Premier League champions - because of injuries to fellow right-backs. (Daily Record), external
Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay could be set for a return to the Premier League with the 28-year-old struggling with life off the pitch in Italy despite success on it with Napoli. (The Sun), external
Scott McTominay has equalled the record for the top-scoring Scot of all time in Serie A with fellow international midfielder Lewis Ferguson of Bologna, his goal in Napoli's 3-1 win over Inter Milan in Serie A at the weekend taking his tally to 14 in just 40 starts since his move from Manchester United in August last year. (The Herald), external
Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Everton's Scotland right-back Nathan Patterson, 24, has a plantar fascia tear and also requires surgery on a hernia. (Sun), external
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesJames Penrice is hoping to start for AEK Athens against Aberdeen
James Penrice hopes his AEK Athens gamble eventually pays off with a Scotland call-up despite admitting it has "taken me time time adjust" to life in the Greek Super League after leaving Hearts this summer.
The uncapped 26-year-old caught the eye of new AEK head coach Marko Nikolic after an impressive year at Tynecastle but has yet to cement himself as a mainstay in the side despite his transfer of around £2.6m.
Like PAOK's former Celtic left-back, Greg Taylor, Penrice was an unused substitute in Sunday as AEK lost 2-0 to relinquish their lead at the top of the table to the visitors.
"It has been very different, very up and down, but I have enjoyed every minute of it," he said as he prepared for Thursday's Conference League meeting with Aberdeen.
"I expected it to be hard, but maybe the moving, the new language, new team-mates, it has taken me time to adjust.
"It's totally different, but the reason I came to this huge club was to experience things I've not experienced in my career before. Hopefully we can go on and make it a successful first season for me."
Penrice, who has made seven starts and four substitute appearances so far, hoped his move would bring him more to the attention of Scotland head coach Steve Clarke amid stiff competition from Liverpool's Andy Robertson and Celtic's Kieran Tierney.
"Obviously it's a very difficult position to get yourself into with the players we have in the Scotland set-up," he said.
"The reason why I came here to a massive club like this was to put myself closer.
"Every football player wants to play every game possible. I have spoken to the coach a number of times about the adjustment and it is different.
"It has probably given me a better feeling towards players in the past who have come to Scotland and not settled.
"The first month I was in a hotel, it's stuff like that people don't see which makes it difficult. Now I am really settling in, getting used to life out here. I am enjoying going to my work every day and that's important."
Scotland midfielder John McGinn is close to signing a contract extension with Aston Villa. (Sky Sports), external
Aston Villa are ready to offer 31-year-old Scotland midfielder John McGinn a new deal. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external
Scotland head coach Steve Clarke is keeping tabs on Birmingham City midfielder Marc Leonard amid a successful start to the season after helping his side win promotion back to the Championship. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
