Scots manager within a month

Published on Thursday 3 January 2008 21:08

SCOTLAND are set to have a new manager in place by the end of January. SFA president George Peat said: "We are into January now and we want the matter resolved by the end of this month.

"We will really set the ball in motion in a few days' time and try to establish a preferred candidate. We don't want to speak to people in employment unless we're really going to go for them. That can upset clubs and we don't want to upset a lot of clubs."

Krul extends his Falkirk stay

• FALKIRK have secured a loan extension to keep Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul at the club for the rest of the season. The Bairns expected to have the signing wrapped up last month, but have now finalised a renewed deal for the 19-year-old Dutchman who arrived at the Falkirk Stadium in the summer. Falkirk head coach John Hughes said: "I think the boy would agree that he's learning a lot as well as enjoying himself."

Krul is suspended for tomorrow's game at home to Aberdeen after being sent off against Kilmarnock on Wednesday.

Queens in talks with Campbell

• QUEEN of the South are in signing talks with former Kilmarnock winger Robert Campbell, who played for them as a trialist in the one-goal defeat by First Division leaders Hamilton on Wednesday.

Campbell, who spent the first half of the season on loan with Dumbarton, was released by SPL club Kilmarnock when the transfer window opened.

• ROSS County last night signed defender Scott Boyd on a permanent deal from Partick Thistle.

• NEW Dumbarton manager Jim Chapman has brought in Alan Adamson as his assistant. The appointment renews the partnership who were in charge of Albion Rovers last season.

Scholes' return on the horizon

• MANCHESTER United midfielder Paul Scholes is close to a return to action after two months on the sidelines with a knee problem. The 33-year-old has started running again after a lateral ligament injury and has targeted the end of the month to make his comeback. "I'm on track to return at the end of January or the start of February," said Scholes.