Rumour Mill: Scott Brown Future| Motherwell boss| Hearts return

Have we seen Scott Brown in a Scotland shirt for the last time? Picture: Getty

Craig Brown urges Celtic hero to hold on to Scotland career

CRAIG Brown is urging Celtic and Scotland captain Scott Brown not to stand down from the international scene.

The player’s comments in the aftermath of Scotland’s 6-0 win over Gibraltar in Faro led some to believe that the former-Hibs midfielder could be about to bow out of international football.

But former Scots boss Brown said it would be ‘disappointing’ if the captain announced his retirement, as has been rumoured.

Brown added: “You would want [Scott] to get to the Hall of Fame. He deserves it. Scott has captained Scotland and has really battled. When you have guys like that, you want him about you, you want him in your team.” (Herald)

Motherwell close to manager appointment

MOTHERWELL are reportedly close to announcing their new manager.

It is understood that the Fir Park club could unveil Ian Baraclough’s successor in the next day or so.

Stephen Craigan has been taking the club as caretaker boss. Baraclough was shown the door after a disastrous run saw the Steelmen pick up just seven points in 8 games. (BBC)

Frail back at Hearts?

Stephen Frail could return to Hearts, as Craig Levein looks to bring the former caretaker boss back to Tynecastle for a third spell.

The move comes amid uncertainty over the future of player development and under-20s coach Jack Ross, who has been absent from the club for the last week. (The Sun)

O’Neill demands respect from Strachan

Ireland boss Martin O’Neill has hit back at Gordon Strachan, saying his side deserve to be in the Euro 2016 playoff.

The Scotland manager had previously grumbled about how the Scots had taken four points out of six from the Republic and were still eliminated, but O’Neill reckons his side should get more respect.

“We’ve taken four points off the world champions Germany. Scotland didn’t do that. So I think we should put it into perspective.” (Various)

Tommy Wright extends St Johnstone deal

TOMMY Wright handed St Johnstone a boost last night by agreeing an extension to his contract at McDiarmid Park.

The Northern Irishman, who had been linked with the managerial vacancy at Tannadice, will now stay on in Perth until 2019.

He took over from countryman Steve Lomas in June 2013, leading the club to its maiden Scottish Cup win barely 12 months later. (Various)

Crowd trouble mars England win

SCUFFLES in the crowd marred England’s 3-0 win over Lithuania in Vilnius, as riot police were called to step in and diffuse the situation with reports of missiles being thrown.

Local cops formed a barrier between travelling supporters and home fans as goals from Ross Barkley, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and an own-goal from Lithuanian ‘keeper Giedrius Arlauskis secured a straightforward win for Roy Hodgson’s men. (Various)

Booth lends support to Strachan

FORMER Scotland striker and current Glasgow City boss Scott Booth has become the latest prominent figure to throw his support behind Gordon Strachan.

Earlier this week, former Scotland and Aberdeen boss Craig Brown backed Strachan to stay on and now Booth - who played under Brown - has said continuity is ‘key’ for Scotland and has urged former Middlesbrough boss Strachan to extend his deal as national team boss. (Various)