Rumour Mill: Cascarino derides Griffiths | Strachan for showdown talks | Man United want Hamilton kid

Tony Cascarino has derided Leigh Griffiths as a 'journeyman striker', Gordon Strachan is set for showdown talks with the FA, and Manchester United want Hamilton prospect Ronan Hughes.

Leigh Griffiths started against England on Friday night. Picture: PA

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Strachan for showdown talks

Gordon Strachan will hold talks about his future with the Scottish Football Association in the coming days following Friday’s 3-0 defeat by England at Wembley.

The result leaves Scotland fifth in a qualifying group where even second does not guarantee a play-off place. The next qualifier is not until March, when Slovenia are the visitors to Hampden Park.

It is understood Strachan, who turns 60 in February, is alert to the growing clamour for change among supporters and will sit down with SFA chief executive Stewart Regan to discuss the next move. (Scotland on Sunday)

• The SFA could sack Strachan even if he decides he’d like to continue as Scotland boss for the remainder of the World Cup qualification campaign. (Sunday Mail)

Cascarino blasts Griffiths

Former Celtic flop Tony Cascarino has labelled Leigh Griffiths a “journeyman striker” following Scotland’s loss to England on Friday.

Cascarino made his comments in his column for The Times. It’s the second time this year he’s derided Griffiths’ talents. In February, he criticised the state of Scottish football for allowing Griffiths to rack up such an impressive goal tally. (The Times)

Man United want Hamilton youngster

A host of English Premier League clubs are chasing Hamilton midfielder Ronan Hughes, with Manchester United the latest giants to join the hunt.

The 17-year-old has made three appearances for the first-team this season and looks set to follow in the footsteps of James McArthur and James McCarthy by making a name for himself south of the border. (Daily Record)

Smith: Warburton must now deliver

Gordon Smith says Mark Warburton must now deliver success at Rangers after the Joey Barton saga was finally dealt with.

The freeing up of Barton’s wages will allow Warburton to invest back in the team and improve on results so far this campaign. (Sunday Post)

Bannigan owes debt to Thistle

Stuart Bannigan has expressed his gratitude to Partick Thistle for sticking with him despite a devastating knee injury.

The midfielder suffered the injury in March last season, just as Bannigan was on the verge of leaving the club. Thistle decided him to offer the player a new contract anyway and, after undergoing surgery in August, Bannigan is desperate to get back and help the team climb up the Ladbrokes Premiership table. (Daily Record)

Johnston frustrated with Collum

Dunfermline boss Allan Johnston was frustrated with the officiating of Willie Collum following his side’s 1-0 exit to Dundee United in the Irn-Bru Cup.

The whistler sent off Lewis Martin for a professional foul on United’s Blair Spittal and later waved play on when Farid El Alagui went down under the intentions of Coll Donaldson. (Deadline News)

Houston: Red card was very harsh

Peter Houston believes referee John Beaton wrongly sent off Tom Taiwo during the first half of his side’s 1-1 draw with Hibs at Easter Road.

Taiwo was shown a straight red for a challenge on John McGinn. Houston said he watched the incident back and believes Falkirk should appeal. (Scotland on Sunday)

Griffiths: Sacking Strachan not the answer

Leigh Griffiths insists changing the manager is not the answer to Scotland’s problems.

Despite making his first start of the campaign at Wembley, Griffiths remains behind the national team boss. (Scotland on Sunday)

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