Rumour Mill: Scotland call-ups | Georgios Samaras moves to US | Forrester keen on Ibrox stay

Scotland boss Gordon Strachan incudes a few suprises in his squads, Georgios Samaras moves to US side Rayo OKC and Harry Forrester wants to extend Ibrox stay

Georgios Samaras in action for Celtic. Picture: Robert Perry

Scott Brown lauds Kieran Tierney after call-up

Scotland and Celtic skipper Scott Brown has praised “rising star” Kieran Tierney, listing what he sees as his club-mate’s range of talents.

The 18-year-old has replaced Honduran Emilio Izaguirre as Ronny Deila’s first-choice left-back and has now been called into his first Scotland squad. (BBC)

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Strachan challenges Tony Watt to make most of Scotland chance

Of all the surprises the Scotland manager sprung with his announcement of two squads for the challenge matches against Czech Republic and Denmark this month, it’s reasonable to suggest Watt’s inclusion raised most eyebrows.

In the past four years, he has gone from scoring a Champions League winner for Celtic against Barcelona to becoming, in the perception of many, simply a jobbing striker in the second tier of English football. (Scotsman)

Georgios Samaras signs for US side

Former Celtic and West Bromwich Albion striker Georgios Samaras is set to begin the next chapter of his career in the US second tier.

The 31-year-old Greece international has joined newly-formed Rayo OKC of the NASL on a contract for the 2016 campaign and could make his preseason debut for the club this weekend against fellow expansion side Miami FC. (Various)

On-form Harry Forrester keen to extend Rangers stay

The former England youth international is hopeful of earning a new deal beyond the summer but is happy to focus on Rangers’ immediate goals, both in pursuit of promotion and success in the Scottish Cup where they face Celtic in next month’s semi-final. (Scotsman)

Scott Brown: Celtic need to ‘grow a set’

Brown does not wish to be remembered for being the skipper at the helm when they blew such a rare chance to make history all over again. Nor does he wish to contemplate the thought of almost five years’ worth of work being so brutally undone. (Scotsman)

Jurgen Klinsmann sold Hearts move to Perry Kitchen

Hearts’ new signing Perry Kitchen has already been capped for the USA but he wants to add to the tally. So, when he was presented with the chance to swap Washington DC’s Capitol building for Scotland’s capital city, he had few reservations and any he did have were quickly dispelled by the USA manager and former Germany striker. (Scotsman)

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Anthony Stokes feels he can be Hibs’ Hampden spark

Anthony Stokes feels he is coming to the boil just in time to make a significant impact for Hibs in Sunday’s League Cup final.

Gavin Gunning set to return for Dundee United

Dundee United’s bid to cut the gap at the bottom of the Premiership to five points tonight is set to be given a fitness boost.

The Tangerines squad that heads for Fir Park should be centre-half Gavin Gunning. (Evening Telegraph)