Rumour Mill: Gordon Strachan

Scotland's manager Gordon Strachan applauds the Scotland fans at the end of the match against Germany in Dortmund. Picture: PA

Gordon Strachan thought Scotland were unlucky but refuses to blame the ref

Gordon Strachan admitted he thought Scotlandwere going to pull off a stunning upset against world champions Germany in Dortmund.

The visitors levelled the match at 1-1 in the 66th minute thanks to Ikechi Anya’s nerveless finish and their pace in attack was causing Joachim Low’s side problems.

But Scotland shot themselves in the foot as slack defending allowed Thomas Muller to knock home the winner, his second of the match.

“They have got to go out there against real machines, real physical players,” the manager told Sky Sports 5. “They stood up to it. Second half we were terrific. Okay they’re going to make chances, that was going to happen, but we played with a freedom in the second half. I thought we were going to get a point, I actually thought we were going to win it at one stage.

Strachan, though, refused to criticise the officials.

“It’s not for me to talk about the referee,” he said. (Daily Record)

Meanwhile goal hero Ikechi Anya believes their performance shows Scotland are now firmly back on the world stage. Anya had rattled the Germans with a 66th minute equaliser and he believes their performance in Dortmund will have made everyone, including their Group D rivals sit up and take notice. Anya said: “We came here with a mentality that we’ve got no fear. The world doesn’t see it but we know what we are about. When we’re working day in day out we know how good we are - now the world and the other teams in the group will be wary of us.” He admitted he was disappointed that they didn’t get at least the point they deserved, he said: “It was an amazing feeling to equalise against a team like Germany, it’s just a pity we didn’t get the point we deserved.” (Various)

England manager Roy Hodgson wants David Beckham in the fold

England manager Roy Hodgson believes the FA would snatch David Beckham’s hand off if his offer to help is a genuine one. Former skipper Becks insisted last week that he would put himself at the disposal of FA chiefs if he wanted. England’s most capped outfield player with 115 appearances. He is now based in the USA working on his attempt to launch a Major League Soccer franchise in Miami. But although Hodgson already have his settled backroom team he admitted he would find it impossible to turn Becks down. Hodgson said: If you’re talking about someone of David’s stature, with his qualities and his personality, I’m certain if he can find the time to lend his presence to the FA they would be happy to find a role for him.” (Record)

Paul McStay’s Maestros fight back for victory

Former Celtic star Paul McStay last night paid tribute to the players and fans for helping to raise thousands of pounds for charity in their bumper game at Parkhead. He said: “I said earlier that there’s always fantastic European nights and Champions Leagues games here but today is another special game and that’s what this club is all about - special days to support fantastic foundations.” The match attracted a crowd of almost 25,000 fans. The proceeds of the game are to be split between the Celtic Foundation and Rio Ferdinand Foundation. (Express)

Martin O’Neill is grateful for Aiden McGeady

Aiden McGeady hit a double to get Martin O’Neill’s competitive reign as Ireland boss off to a winning start in Tblisi. The Republic looked likely to only secure a point after Tonhike Okriashvilli’s piledriver had cancelled out McGeady’s opener. But with time running out the Everton winger curled home a 90th minute winner. O’Neill said: “He was the only player on the field who could score that goal. He is a fantastic talent. He has talent and he showed it tonight.” (Sun)

News in brief:

• Portugal were stunned last night by shock troops Albania in the biggest upset of the Euro 2016’s qualifying campaign. Injured Christiano Ronaldo could only look on as his team were embarrassed 1-0 in Lisbon. (Sun)

• Niall McGinn and Kyle Lafferty were the late heroes as Northern Ireland grabbed a dramatic 2-1 win in Hungary. (Various)

• Gibraltar’s first ever senior competitive game ended in a 7-0 thumping by Poland. The amateurs will take heart from the fact they were only losing 1-0 at half time. (Sun)

Rumour Mill: Gordon Strachan | David Beckham