9am Briefing: Hearts 'not going in to administration'

Internet message boards buzzed with suggestions that the club is in irretrievable financial trouble following a plunge in the share price at Ukio, the bank controlled by Hearts boss Vladimir Romanov.

However, bank chairman, former Hearts director Liutauras Varanavicius, called the rumours msiguided and malicious.

Public life more tiring for Hoy

OLYMPIC hero Chris Hoy has admitted that life in the spotlight is more tiring than training for Olympic Gold.

Hoy said: "I haven't had a single day off since getting back. Even getting the odd couple of hours is unusual. It has been non stop.

"I've had n time at all for training. I've been on the track twice and I've been in the gym whenever I can fit it in."

Kenny Miller out of Norway clashSCOTLAND striker Kenny Miller is out of Saturday's World Cup clash with Norway.

The Rangers star was carted off during Sunday's SPL tie with St Mirren with a recurring hamstring injury - ironically first sustained during Scotland's opening qualifier against Macedonia.

Former Hibee Miller, who scored twice against Norway in Oslo in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, will almost certainly be joined on the Scotland sidelines by team-mate Kevin Thomson, who was carried off with an ankle injury at the weekend.

Gordon confident about Scotland's chances

KEEPER Craig Gordon remains confident Scotland can maintain a strong position going into the second phase of the World Cup campaign.

The former Hearts stopper reckons teams will take points off each other, giving the national side the chance to clear up at their concluding three game stretch at Hampden.

However, Scotland will have to face off Norway at Hampden to keep the hopes alive.

Gordon said: "It is going to be tough campaign and we will have to be at our best against Norway."

McAllister gets call-up boostRETURNING Scotland full back Jamie McAllister has pledged to put his barren spell behind him and repay George Burley's confidence in giving him a recall.

The 30-year-old former Hearts man said: "It has been four years since I got my last cap but I always believed I could force my way back into the Scotland reckoning.

"The call-up has given me a real boost in confidence."