The Rumour Mill: Gordon Strachan | Gary Hooper | Craig Brown

SCOTLAND boss Gordon Strachan backed before first game in charge against Estonia, Gary Hooper misses out on England cap call and Willie Miller says Aberdeen boss Craig Brown should be given another contract.

Strachan’s Scotland return:

• Kenny Miller has backed Gordon Strachan to turn around Scotland’s fortunes in the same way that Walter Smith did when he was the coach of the national side.

• Chris Burke says he is delighted to be involved in the Scotland set-up again following his long lay-off from international duty. The Birmingham City player’s last call-up came in 2006 when Scotland beat Bulgaria 5 - 1 in the Kirin Cup in Japan.

• Estonia coach Tarmo Ruutli believes the desire of Scotland’s players to impress new manager Gordon Strachan will make them formidable opponents.

(Scotsman)

Hooper misses out on cap call

Celtic striker Gary Hooper has been overlooked for England’s friendly against Brazil tomorrow night at Wembley.

The ex-Scunthorpe striker has scored 23 goals this season and it was thought that he may have been in with a chance of call up due to injuries to Jermain Defoe and Daniel Sturridge. (Sun)

Miller calls for Brown to be given a new contract

Aberdeen legend Willie Miller says Craig Brown and his assistant Archie Knox should be offered new contracts to end the uncertainty currently surrounding the Pittodrie club.

The pair are not out of contract at the end of the season and there has been speculation linking Ross County manager Derek Adams to the position. (Scotsman)

Lennon fears over Ambrose

Celtic manager Neil Lennon faces an anxious wait throughout the Africa Cup Nations to see if defender Efe Ambrose makes it through unscathed.

New defensive signings Rami Gershon has been left out of the squad to face Juventus in the Champions League meaning Lennon could be left short should Ambrose pick up an injury. (Mail)

• Wolves forward Kevin Doyle says he would have relished the chance to go on loan for Celtic but says he was convinced by his own club that he was part of their plans

Deegan smashed Hibs boss Fenlon’s glasses

Hibs midfielder Gary Deegan was so keen to celebrate his strike against Aberdeen that he ended up breaking manager Pat Fenlon’s glasses. (Record)

Butcher horrified by demise of Paul Gascoigne

Inverness manager Terry Butcher says he is shocked at the current plight of his ex-England team mate Paul Gascoigne.

The former Rangers midfielder is in rehab in America after a spell of erratic behaviour fuelled by a reported return to alcohol. (Scotsman)

Jackson appointed to Dundee United role

New Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara has appointed Tannadice legend Darren Jackson as first team coach. Jackson is to give up his current role as an agent. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• David Van Zanten has agreed a year extension to his contract at St Mirren

• Rangers striker Kal Naismith has been handed a two match ban

• Former Scotland striker Billy Dodds says he is interested in the Partick Thistle manager job as is ex-Livingston boss Roberto Landi

• Billy Davies will decide today if he wants the vacant Blackpool manager’s job