The Rumour Mill: Tuesday’s football transfer news and gossip

Published on 11/09/2012 10:55

In today’s Rumour Mill: Kenny Miller says squad want to see Steven Fletcher back; David Marshall set for return in goal; Craig Levein dismisses ‘hysterical’ reaction to Serbia draw; plus all the rest of today’s football news and gossip

Squad want to see return of Steven Flecher, claims Kenny Miller

Scotland captain Kenny Miller has admitted that Steven Fletcher’s return to the Scotland squad would be welcomed by his teammates.

“If he wanted to pick the phone up, then he would be welcome back,” said Miller. “If Steven decides he wants to come back then the manager has said he will welcome him back.” (The Sun)

David Marshall in line for first Scotland cap in three years

Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall could be set to make his first international appearance in three years against Macedonia tonight. Injuries to Allan McGregor and back-up Matt Wilks mean that the former Celtic man is in line for the number 1 shirt for the first time since a 3-0 defeat against Wales in November 2009.

Scotland boss Craig Levein admitted that McGregor will struggle to make the team for tonight’s game. “Injuries happen but what we won’t do is play the boy if he’s not fit. There is no point in that for us or for his club”, he said. (The Sun)

Craig Levein scoffs at ‘hysterical’ reaction to Serbian draw

Scotland manager Craig Levein has dismissed the ‘hysterical’ response to his side’s goalless draw with Serbia. Ahead of tonight’s match with Macedonia, Levein insisted that Scotland could top the group if they overcome their opponents at Hampden.

“Nobody is more aware of the fact we need three points in this game than me,” said Levein.

“But I have been annoyed at the hysterical reaction after Saturday. There were 30 points to play for and we got one. There are still 27 to play for.

“For me, it is all about what happens at the end than at the start. There has to be some kind of understanding that it’s a long haul. We want to get three points in tomorrow night’s game and then there is a scenario, not too far-fetched, that we could go top of the group.” (The Daily Mail)

End your feud with Steven Fletcher, Paul Hartley tells Scotland boss

Craig Levein should bury the hatchet with Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher, according to Paul Hartley. Fletcher, a £14 million summer signing from Wolves, hasn’t played for Scotland since pulling out of a friendly last year.

“A manager isn’t always going to like everyone,” said Alloa boss Hartley, “but you must put your team first and Fletcher has proved he can score in the Premiership. That’s the kind of talent Scotland needs.” (Daily Record)

No excuses for this generation of Scots, says Jim McInally

Former Scotland midfielder Jim McInally has said that there is no reason why the current crop of Scotland players cannot qualify for the World Cup in 2014.

McInally, capped ten times, played for Scotland at Euro 92, believes that the team have the ability to reach their first major tournament since the World Cup in 1998. “We took it for granted from the 1970s to the 90s that Scotland would always get to major championships but that has changed,” said McInally.

“But there are no excuses right now because the players who are available are certainly good enough. It’s as strong as Scotland have been for years and if the key players can stay fit anything could happen.” (Daily Record)

Ryan McGowan turned down Rangers move to save international career

Hearts full-back Ryan McGowan has revealed that he turned down a deadline-day move to Rangers because he feared for his international career. The 23-year-old held talks with Aly McCoist in the closing hours of the transfer window, but the Australian declined to follow former team-mate David Templeton to Ibrox.

“Hearts accepted a bid but I rejected it. Ally McCoist called me to go and see him, which I did out of courtesy, but I explained I didn’t think it was the right move. Rangers may have good players but you only improve by playing against the best, and that’s in the SPL, not Division Three.” (The Sun)

IN BRIEF

• Serbian Srdan Mijailovic has forgiven Steven Naismith for the elbow incident that nearly landed the Everton striker a suspension. “In every match you have to use elbows to gain height,” Mijailovic said.

“Maybe it wasn’t intentionally - these things can happen in football.” (The Sun)

• Dundee have taken former Hibs player Sean O’Hanlon on trial. The 29-year-old defender is searching for a new club after being released by the Easter Road side last month. (Daily Record)