Covid-19 is set to impact Scottish football further. Just when clubs were hopeful of welcoming fans back in a staged manner next month a rise in coronavirus infections and an R-rate well above one has seen the introduction of further restrictions by the Scottish Government.
Supports will have to continue to rely on live streams and watching from their house to get their football fill and see their favourites in action. It’s disappointing and furstrating, but also concerning for various clubs who will be relying on income generated on matchdays.
Scroll down and click through for Wednesday’s gossip column and latest from Scottish football.
. PAISLEY, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 22: A St Mirren ballboy handles the ball with gloves on during the Scottish Premiership match between St Mirren and Ross County at St Mirren Park, on August 22, 2020, in Paisley, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)
Wednesday's Scottish football gossip column. Picture: SNS Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
. Haring hands Hearts a boost
Heats were handed a huge boost on their pre-season victory over Falkirk on Tuesday with the return of Peter Haring. The Austrian played for the first time since the 2019 Scottish Cup final having missed the entirety of the 2019/20 season. (Evening News) Photo: Paul Devlin - SNS Group
. McPake nears Morton switch
Greenock Morton are closing in on the signing of Rangers starlet Josh McPake. The winger spent time on loan at Dundee last season and is nearing another Championship spell to aid his development. Morton’s league rivals Ayr are also interested in the player. (Scottish Sun) Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group / SFA
1. Haring hands Hearts a boost
Heats were handed a huge boost on their pre-season victory over Falkirk on Tuesday with the return of Peter Haring. The Austrian played for the first time since the 2019 Scottish Cup final having missed the entirety of the 2019/20 season. (Evening News) Photo: Paul Devlin - SNS Group
2. McPake nears Morton switch
Greenock Morton are closing in on the signing of Rangers starlet Josh McPake. The winger spent time on loan at Dundee last season and is nearing another Championship spell to aid his development. Morton’s league rivals Ayr are also interested in the player. (Scottish Sun) Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group / SFA
3. No Celtic move for McLean
Stoke City boss Michael O’Neill has addressed speculation that winger James McLean could head to Celtic before the transfer window closes. The former Northern Ireland boss said the reports are just “rumours” and that he isn’t looking to lose the player. (Various) Photo: SNS Group Paul Devlin
4. New contract offer for Campbell
Motherwell have offered a new contract to star player Allan Campbell, manager Stephen Robinson has confirmed. The midfield dynamo is out of contract at the end of the season and has impressed hugely so far this campaign. (Various) Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group