Scotland Men's Football Team

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Celtic captain Callum McGregor says doing a U-turn on his Scotland retirement for next summer's World Cup is "not something I've thought of".

The 32-year-old called time on his international career after Euro 2024 having won 63 caps.

Asked if he would have any interest in a recall for the World Cup, McGregor said: "To be honest, it's not something I've thought of.

"Obviously the guys have done amazing to qualify in the last international break. I've a lot of good team-mates and good friends in there, so I was so happy for them.

"And for me, I just want to concentrate on the job I've got here. I don't want to get drawn into anything like that, I've got a big, big job here, change of manager soon probably, so I'll just keep trying to play well and help the team and then whatever will be, will be."

McGregor has been an integral figure in Celtic's resurgence under caretaker boss Martin O'Neill, who will continue in charge for Wednesday's visit of Dundee after paperwork issues delayed the appointment of Wilfried Nancy.

Celtic were eight points adrift of Hearts when Brendan Rodgers resigned five weeks ago after a 3-1 defeat at Tynecastle but they are now within two points of Derek McInnes' with a game in hand after winning four consecutive league matches.

All going to plan, Nancy's first three games will be a top-of-the-table showdown at home to Hearts on Sunday, a Europa League visit from Roma and a Premier Sports Cup final against St Mirren.

"That's Celtic for you, isn't it? Every week's a big week," said McGregor.

"It doesn't matter when you come in, you play 60-odd games [a season], you have to win them all. That is the pressure of this club.

"And whenever the manager's first game is, they'll be under pressure to win as well."

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Jack Milne's form at Aberdeen may make it "very difficult" for Scotland head coach Steve Clarke to ignore, believes Andy Halliday.

Motherwell's Halliday has been impressed with the 22-year-old, who has made 19 appearances so far this season.

"It's important that we're looking at where can we improve our squad, not only for the World Cup but moving forward," Halliday told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Scotland lack a little bit in both boxes, I'd say, at the centre-half position and the striker position. Especially you're always looking at what's the next batch coming through, who are the younger players coming through that can potentially replace these guys?

"Jack Milne for me is certainly one that's caught the eye over the course of the season. I actually thought he was excellent in the Scottish Cup final against Celtic last year, playing the middle of the back three and I think he's having a really good season for Aberdeen.

"Aberdeen, since they've changed their shape to that back three, they've had a wee upturn in results and performances and I think Jack Milne's been absolutely integral to that as well. Jack Milne will make it very difficult for him to be ignored if continues the form he's on."

Scotland could face World Cup holders Argentina in a March friendly, according to reports in the South American country. (The Herald On Sunday), external

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Everton manager David Moyes believes Scotland fans will carry out an "invasion" of the USA at the World Cup next year - and advised Americans to "get right into" Tunnock's Tea Cakes.

The Tartan Army are expected to travel in huge numbers to the newly-expanded tournament in the States, Canada and Mexico next June following their thrilling group-winning victory over Denmark earlier this month.

There were scenes of euphoria at Hampden Park and across the nation as Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 after stoppage-time goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean to seal World Cup qualification for the first time in 28 years.

Proud Scot Moyes, responding to a Q&A session on Reddit when asked how the Tartan Army will best sustain themselves in a foreign land, said: "I'm probably more a coffee person. I was brought up as a tea man but I've moved on to coffee now.

"Biscuits? It has to be Tunnock's. It would have to be Tunnock's Tea Cakes or Caramel Logs. For all you people in America, if you don't know about it, you need to get right into Tunnock's."

Moyes is backing Scotland and their supporters to make a lasting impression at next summer's tournament, adding: "I think the way the night went for Scotland supporters, they'll all be really looking forward to going to America and invading America.

"This will be the biggest invasion America's had for years with Scotland supporters! We're hoping to go over there and shock the rest of the world."

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Bristol City defender Ross McCrorie said his aim is to be in Scotland's squad for next summer's World Cup after the country secured qualification earlier this month.

McCrorie had to withdraw from the national team for their World Cup qualifiers against Greece and Denmark due to a knee "niggle".

The 27-year-old made his international debut in summer of 2024 in a friendly against Gibraltar but has not featured since.

"I was chuffed to get in the squad but I had a slight niggle in my knee and we felt at Bristol it was better for me to stay and made sure I get that sorted and take the inflammation out of my knee because we've got a whole load of games coming up," McCrorie told BBC Radio Bristol.

McCrorie has started all but two of Bristol City's 17 Championship matches this season and said he is targeting a place in Steve Clarke's side for next summer's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"I aim to be in the World Cup squad, I feel as if I'm good enough, I've showed I'm good enough, the target is to get picked," he added.

"I should be in it for the way I've been playing so hopefully I can get there."

Preston North End centre-half Liam Lindsay retains hopes of gate-crashing into Scotland's World Cup squad after being called up last year. (Herald - subscription required), external

Stephen Welsh could force Celtic into a January decision about his loan to Motherwell because his form has the 25-year-old knocking on the door to the Scotland squad. (Record), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Norwich City midfielder Kenny McLean says he would have no problem with Newcastle United winger Harvey Barnes, who has one England cap, being called up to the Scotland squad. (Scottish Football Social Club podcast), external

Amid suggestions he could switch allegiance from England to Scotland and despite Newcastle United having been open to offers in the summer, the Premier League club will now reject January bids for Harvey Barnes because of the winger's recent good form. (Football Insider), external

Former Rangers striker Steven Naismith is happy to have stayed on as Scotland assistant heading to the World Cup having been asked to become part of Russell Martin's Ibrox backroom team before his sacking as head coach. (The Warm-Up podcast), external

David Weir is the favourite with some bookmakers to become Rangers' new sporting director despite the former Scotland defender only recently taking up a similar role with Strasbourg. (Glasgow Times), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Reports suggesting Scott McTominay could return to the Premier League in January are fantasy as the Scotland midfielder is happy with Napoli and suitors like Everton cannot provide him with Champions League football. (Fabrizio Romano on YouTube), external

First Minister John Swinney and psychologists believe Scotland's qualification for next year's World Cup finals, and matches being accessible on BBC Scotland, could ensure the Saltire remains an inclusive and uniting symbol despite its recent use by far-right groups. (The National), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Falkirk goalkeeper Scott Bain says being a "tiny" part of the Scotland squad that secured their place at next summer's World Cup is his "best moment in football."

Bain was an unused substitute as Steve Clarke's side defeated Denmark 4-2 at Hampden on Tuesday to finish top of their qualification group, ensuring the Scots will contest the finals for the first time in nearly 30 years.

"I have been involved in a lot of big moments, I have played in a lot of big games and won cup finals and it was without a doubt the best moment in football I have ever been involved in," the former Celtic goalkeeper said.

"I think from the national anthem to the game was unbelievable and Kenny McLean's goal at the end to finish it off was just the icing on the cake.

"We all just went mental really and it was amazing to be a part of."

After winning the last of his three caps in 2019, Bain was recalled for the qualification double header with the Danes and Greece.

However veteran Hearts keeper Craig Gordon was given the starting berth for the two games.

"It wasn't disappointing [to not play]," he added.

"I knew whatever my role was going to be when I went there that I would do it to the best of my ability and I believe I did.

"I am just glad we managed to do it and get there . I played a tiny part in that qualification and to be a part of it was one of the best moments of my career."

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Former Scotland assistant John Carver says seeing Scotland qualify for the World Cup was "bittersweet" after missing out during his time with the national side.

Carver joined Steve Clarke's set up in 2020 and was part of the team that led Scotland to two Euros before leaving to take over as Lechia Gdansk manager last December.

"It's amazing," Carver told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I was involved in 60 games, which is quite a bit for international football, and had a great time, I had a great relationship with Steve.

"We went to two European Championships, but from a personal point of view not going to the World Cup is pretty devastating.

"The game the other night, what an incredible game. I actually woke up the next morning and I felt as if I'd played in the game myself. It was remarkable.

"I spoke to Steve the morning of the game, had a really good conversation with him and I just felt it was going to be Scotland's night.

"We had a little bit of adversity in Scotland when we didn't qualify for Qatar, when we lost the first game to Ukraine. Both the European Championships, we were disappointed, but I just felt that the motivation of the guys, that night was going to be the right night.

"When you look at the goals that we scored, Scott McTominay's overhead goal, Kenny McLean's from the halfway line, Kieran Tierney coming in, who is left-footed, playing at right-back. The goals were incredible.

"I was in my apartment celebrating as loud as everyone. It was incredible, but it was a little bit bittersweet, because obviously I was delighted for the players, for Steve, for the staff, for the Tartan Army, but devastated that I'm not going to be there, but I have a job to do, and that's the important part."

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Scotland winger Ben Gannon-Doak faces a lengthy spell out after being taken off on a stretcher during Tuesday's World Cup place-clinching win over Denmark.

The Bournemouth 20-year-old set up Scott McTominay's overhead kick opener at Hampden but went down injured and left the field in the 21st minute.

Cherries manager Andoni Iraol described Gannon-Doak's problem as a "big hamstring injury" that may require surgery and he expects the Scot to be out for months.

Gannon-Doak joined Bournemouth from Liverpool in August and has made six appearances for the Premier League side.

He was winning his 11th Scotland cap against the Danes and had scored his first senior international goal in the previous match against Greece.

After securing a place at next summer's finals, Steve Clarke's Scots have no fixtures scheduled but are likely to have a series of friendly matches before next summer.

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Scotland defender Grant Hanley would currently be turning out for Lechia Gdansk rather than Hibs if John Carver had got his way.

Hanley, 33, has been an impressive addition to the Hibs backline since joining on a free in the summer and is a key player in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad, who are World Cup bound next summer after topping their qualifying group in dramatic fashion.

Carver, who stepped down as Scotland assistant in June to focus solely on his role as Lechia Gdansk manager, has revealed he tried to bring Hanley to Poland.

"I actually had a conversation with Grant about him coming across to Lechia Gdansk," Carver told BBC Sort.

"He was up for it, before he signed for Hibernian, he was up for coming across. But we have a criteria here that we only sign players of a certain age.

"Obviously Grant is getting on a little bit, but what a guy, what a super guy, what a character, what a professional, and he deserves to go to the World Cup more than anybody."

Scotland will avoid England and other major European nations like Spain, France and Germany in next month's World Cup qualifying draw, with Fifa expected to reward all of Uefa's automatic qualifiers by placing them into one of the 12 groups. (Scottish Sun), external

Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and former club Manchester United have sounded out Scott McTominay's camp about a return to the Premier League, but Napoli would reject any bid below £70.5m for the 28-year-old Scotland midfielder. (TeamTalk), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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David Currie
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Loyalty has been a key theme in Scotland ending the long wait for a World Cup return.

Steve Clarke has repeatedly shown faith in a settled squad and the Scottish FA insist there was "never any doubt" about sticking with their head coach.

"Our greatest ever manager," said SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell of Clarke. "Three tournaments out of four is just an incredible return."

Clarke and his players are being hailed as national heroes after Tuesday's thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden clinched a first World Cup qualification since 1998.

A far cry from the disgruntlement after the Scots were eliminated at the group stage at the Euro 2024 in Germany, picking up one point from three matches.

There was a run of just one win in 14 games, with that solitary success coming in a friendly against Gibraltar.

"It wasn't that long after the Euros that a lot of people didn't want him to be the manager anymore," said Maxwell.

"That's the swings and roundabouts of being a head coach. There was never any doubt that we were going to stick by him and we were all focused on getting to the World Cup."

Clarke's previous World Cup campaign ended with a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Ukraine in the play-off semi-finals for Qatar 2022.

"Reaching a World Cup finals has been a missing link for him and we're going to prepare as well as we can," added Maxwell, who was full of praise for Clarke's methods.

"Steve talked a lot about increasing the number of caps, and you saw the benefit of that," he said.

"Getting that amount of players playing that number of international matches bears fruit in the last minutes when you're playing Denmark and you need to find a goal and you need to hang on there, because the guys have been there and done it.

"They've played in a lot of big games and for the vast majority have been able to grind out results so you can't underestimate that loyalty.

"I couldn't be happier for Steve. I couldn't be happier for the group of players and they'll be taking every pint that comes their way because they absolutely deserve it."

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Motherwell's Danish manager Jens Berthel Askou expressed his delight for Scotland despite his country being denied automatic World Cup qualification by Steve Clarke's side.

Askou attended Hampden on Tuesday with assistant coach Max Rogers and some members of the Fir Park club's board.

The former Norwich defender watched an incredible occasion unfold as the Scots came out on top in an astonishing finale to win 4-2 in a group decider.

"It was a great experience to feel the enthusiasm and the joy in the stadium," the Well boss said.

"I'm really happy on Scotland's behalf, and everyone here who is passionate about the national team.

"I think there's a lot of people who are that, so I'm really happy for you that you qualified."

Askou says his primary focus is on Motherwell but believes it is important his players dream of being able to represent their nation at the World Cup.

Elliot Watt has been one of the standout midfielders in the Scottish Premiership this season and has represented Scotland at youth level.

So too has on-loan Celtic defender Stephen Welsh, while Stephen O'Donnell and Paul McGinn have won senior caps.

And Elijah Just is a regular for New Zealand, who will join Scotland at next summer's finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"I think all players, staff as well, dream of getting to the next level," Askou added.

"And for the players, obviously the World Cup is the biggest tournament you can participate in, so it's a massive thing for people to strive for.

"I hope many of them get that opportunity. Eli has a good chance. We also have some of the Australian boys who might have an opportunity.

"So obviously with the World Cup coming up, the dream is right there for them to see, and especially the Scottish guys."

Kieran Tierney has revealed he received a "lovely text" from Celtic team-mate Kasper Schmeichel after denting the Denmark goalkeeper's World Cup dream with a stunning goal.

The 28-year-old came off the bench at Hampden to curl home in the 94th minute and edge Scotland 3-2 up before Kenny McLean added a sensational strike from the halfway line as Scotland qualified for a first men's World Cup since 1998.

And while Tierney and fellow Scotland player Anthony Ralston have still be reunited with Schmeichel at Celtic, the left-back revealed the devastated Dane - whose national team will host North Macedonia in the play-off semi-finals - had quickly been in touch.

"No, he's back tomorrow, so I'll see him tomorrow," Tierney told Sky Sports.

"But he actually sent me a lovely text after the game. Within the hour or so, he texted me and Ralston, so it just shows you the professional that he is as well.

"Somebody's got to lose, and in the last few however many years, it's usually been Scotland in a game like that.

"So for us to have the fortune on our side, and the moments on our side that night, it was really special. But obviously it's a shame for Kasper and his team as well."

Two days on from Tierney's Hampden heroics, the magnitude of Scotland's achievement - and importance of his goal - are still sinking in.

"I've watched the goal back a lot, to be fair. I'm not going to hide it. After we went out, I went back to the hotel, watched it back," he said.

"Yesterday, people kept sending me different background music to the goals and that, so it's unbelievable. Titanic's a good one. Oasis was a good one. Linger. I like the Linger one as well, so there's a few.

"I've seen different angles from people in the stadium just recording it, and even you just see the reaction and what it means to people. It's honestly unbelievable. I'll do well to score a more important goal than that in my life, so it's amazing."

The congratulations have been pouring in, with Tierney even getting a name-check from Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

"He's an Arsenal fan, isn't he, so that's probably why he's mentioned me. But that's mental, that's just mental," he added.

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Craig Burley hopes next summer will finally rid him of the status of the last man to score for Scotland at a World Cup finals.

The 54-year-old, a former Chelsea team-mate of national team boss Steve Clarke, netted in a 1-1 draw with Norway in Bordeaux in 1998.

Burley, who was sent off in Scotland's following match against Morocco, is hopeful one of the current squad will banish his big claim to fame at next summer's showpiece in North America.

"I think they will," he told BBC Reporting Scotland. "I think I've dined out on it way too long now, that's 28 years and I'm still dining out on it.

"Boys scored at the European Championships [in 2021 and 2024], but I said, 'Nah, it's not the same, you've got to score at a World Cup'. So I'm sure somebody will get us over the line and people can stop talking about that.

"I'm also the last player to be sent off for Scotland at a World Cup, but I'm hoping nobody takes that one away from me, because that'll make Stevie's job even more difficult.

"But I just know myself, that feeling when I scored in Bordeaux against Norway, of running to the Tartan Army, knowing that you scored in the World Cup, having grown up as a kid in Ayrshire, watching David Narey scoring in the 82 World Cup against Brazil and watching all those big games.

"You're out in the back garden, or in the park or on the street, you're kicking that ball about and you're dreaming of it. I was fortunate I got to do that, and a whole generation of players in the last 28 years have not.

"This generation are going to get that feeling of being in North America, playing on the biggest stage and hopefully doing themselves justice. And that, as a kid, is what you dream about."