Rumour Mill: Steven Fletcher | Motherwell

Steven Fletcher is glad to be back playing for Scotland. Picture: SNS

Steven Fletcher on Celtic and fearing he’d never play for Scotland again

Steven Fletcher wants to sign for Celtic – but only once he has made up the time lost to Sunderland and Scotland through injuries which the striker says have aged him 10 years.

The Sunderland forward was worried he would never play for Scotland again when he notoriously fell out with Craig Levein, informing the then Scotland manager that he did not want to be selected for his country again via a text sent to a Scottish Football Association official. The pair settled their differences eventually, only for injuries to sabotage Fletcher’s plans.

“I’m 27. I feel 37,” Fletcher said. “There was a time I thought I wouldn’t get another cap, but it’s good to be back, I’m glad to be playing again. Obviously when you are sitting back watching Scotland on TV, you want to be there – but you think things are never going to get sorted. Fortunately, I’m past that now, back playing and enjoying it.

“I’m happy to be back playing and back fit and not having niggles after training. You never know – it got close when I was frustrated down there, not playing because of injuries,” Fletcher said. “I don’t think it’s the right time for me yet.”

When questioned on the persistent rumours of an approach by Celtic, the striker admitted he would definitely consider the move but only after he had served his time down south. He added:

“The Premier League is great and I’m enjoying myself down there. I do want to come home at some point, though. Meanwhile, I would love us to get to the Euro finals. With the Scotland career I’ve had, just to come back and do something like that would be fantastic.” (Telegraph)

Owen Coyle in frame for Motherwell job

Owen Coyle has emerged as a leading contender to replace Stuart McCall at Motherwell.

Despite initially distancing himself from the job Record Sport can reveal the Fir Park club want to hold talks with the 48-year-old, who has been out of work since being axed by Wigan last year.

The ex-striker played for Well between 1997-1999. Coyle went on to manage Falkirk and St Johnstone before enjoying success at Burnley.

Motherwell have had more than 50 applications for the post and are also keen on speaking to ex-Scotland star Billy McKinlay. (Record)

Nolberto Solano could be new Motherwell boss if consortium buys majority stake

Motherwell will become a hub for showcasing South American talent if a London-based consortium seizes control of the club in the coming weeks.

Sportsmail can reveal a group of businessmen want to buy a majority stake in the Fir Park outfit with a view to giving emerging players from overseas a foothold in the European game.

Newcastle’s former Peruvian international winger Nolberto Solano attended Motherwell’s victory over Dundee United on Friday night and it’s believed he will be installed as manager if the deal gets over the line. (Daily Mail)

Ossie Ardillies wants to apply for the Mothwerwell job

Argentina legend Ossie Ardiles wants to relaunch his managerial career at Motherwell.

Express Sport understands the 1978 World Cup winner has applied for the vacant Fir Park role. The 62-year-old has a wealth of top managerial experience in England with Swindon Town, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion. (Daily Express)

Mark McGhee says beating Irish will prove Scotland are on the right track

Mark McGhee insists Scotland still have plenty to prove. There is a growing optimism among the Tartan Army after Scotland’s promising start to the Euro 2016 qualifiers. But McGhee believes only qualification will do. He said: I don’t think we have achieved anything. We’re in a position where we may achieve more than recently but the bottom line is the players have taken on Gordon’s work ethic. Ireland’s not a pivotal game in terms of us qualifying or not qualifying. Anything could happen. If we get a positive result, we can start to believe we are on the up,” (Daily Express)

Henrik Larsson appointed coach of Helsingborgs

Henrik Larsson has returned to the club where his heart lies to take over as manager. Within hours of quitting as boss of Falkenbergs, the Swedish striker was unveiled as the new No.1 at Helsingborgs. Larsson started and ended his senior career in Helsingborg - where a statue of him has been erected - and has never hidden his desire to get involved there again. His son Jordan now plays for Helsingborgs, and Larsson senior can’t wait to get to work with the 17-year-old and the rest of the squad. He said: “I’d no hesitation once I was offered the job. I was asked a few days ago and things have moved fast. There is a lot of work to be done at the club. But I know what is needed, and I am looking forward to getting started.” (Times)

David Moyes named new coach of Spanish side Real Sociedad

David Moyes has been named as the new coach of Spanish side Real Sociedad - seven months after he was sacked as Manchester United manager.

Moyes, who was axed by United in April following a dismal first season in charge at Old Trafford, has been handed a one-and-a-half-year deal with the Primera Division club. (Various)

News in brief:

• Marc Wilson, Glenn Whelan and James McCarthy are all major doubts for Ireland for Friday’s game against Scotland. (Express)

• Shay Logan has been handed a one match ban for his red card against Celtic. (Express)

• Steven Pressley vows to fight on after Coventry’s shock FA cup exit at the hands of a non-league side. (Express)

• Hearts are close to wiping out their debts says owner Anne Budge, she revealed the club have nearly cleared their £575,000 debt. (Mail)

• Derek Riordan could sign for Brechin City tonight. (Record)

Rumour Mill: Steven Fletcher | Motherwell | Mark McGhee