Rumour Mill: Scotland v Belgium | Alcohol | Petrov
Strachan pragmatic in defeat
Gordon Strachan was left helpless by the gulf in quality between his side and their Belgian counterparts last night. Strachan said: “Listen, the players are taking in everything we say. But there are things we cannot do at this moment. We cannot make players bigger, stronger, quicker.” Strachan added “I think the formation, to a certain extent is fine. But that’s all we have at the moment. When you look at what their team can do it’s a different ball game.
“Our main striker is playing against Crawley. Their strikers are playing at the top end of the Premier League.” (Various)
Performances not enough for Scotland
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Hide AdAfter Scotland’s brave performance last night in their World Cup qualifier, Steven Whittaker bemoaned another hard luck loss, he said: “We keep talking about performances but we want results to match them. That is hopefully what we can do over the next two games.”
The Norwich defender said Scotland are sick of coming off second best, adding “We’re all in it together and will push forward together.
“We keep saying we’re getting better but we don’t want to lose matches.” (Various)
Reaction from Scotland v Belgium at Hampden
SFA bosses want alcohol back at Scottish grounds
SFA chiefs want ministers to look at ending the ban on alcohol sales in stadiumson match days.
Alcohol has been banned from grounds in Scotland for more than three decades, although drink is available at grounds in England and at Scottish rugby games.
A spokesman for the SFA suggested it would not lead to disorder or antisocial behaviour. He said: “We only recently took part in the first international football match without a police presence, between Scotland and Estonia, at Aberdeen.
“Last night, we had 7,000 happy Belgium fans at Hampden and the national side’s fans in the Tartan Army are well known for their positive behaviour throughout Europe.”
There was backing for a review from the Scottish Professional Football League, which said it was an issue “worthy of discussion”. (The Scotsman)
Petrov and pals sell out Parkhead
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Hide AdSunday afternoon’s charity match, between a Stiliyan Petrov XI and a Celtic XI, is a complete sell-out and Celtic asking fans to get along early ahead of the 2pm kick-off at Parkhead
Stars including Henrik Larsson, Lubo Moravcik, Neil Lennon, Johan Mjallby and Chris Sutton will line up for the Celtic XI against a squad including Dimitar Berbatov, John Terry, Gareth Barry, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Paul Lambert. (Various)
Templeton looking to get back in the thick of it
After an injury plagued start to the season David Templeton is looking forward to getting back into the Rangers side.
Rangers’ registration embargo ended on August 31, meaning they are now free to use all eight of their new signings, increasing pressure on those looking to make in the starting XI. (Various)
McPake and Clancy won’t play non-league
Returning Hibs defenders James McPake and Tim Clancy will not get a run out in today’s East of Scotland League fixture.
Kevin Thomson used the club’s presence in the non-league ranks to keep his fitness up last weekend when he appeared in the 9-0 victory over Hawick Royal Albert. Thomson was subsequently given a shock call-up for Scotland. (Various)
Bannan good enough for Barca
Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway reckons his new signing Barry Bannan could slot into the Barcelona team. Holloway said: “His range of passing for me, with the type of player he is, he could slot into Barcelona’s team.” (The Sun)
Reaction from Scotland v Belgium at Hampden