Napoli head coach Antonio Conte has revealed that Scott McTominay has yet to return to training despite reports suggesting the Scotland midfielder could be ready to face Torino on Friday as the 29-year-old's inflammation issue continues to be a concern. (The Scotsman), external
Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSGoalkeeper Scott Bain is flourishing for Falkirk this season - but admits his "dream" of making Scotland's World Cup squad is never far from his thoughts.
Bain, who won the last of his three caps in 2019, earned a squad recall from Steve Clarke for the final two qualifiers against Greece and Denmark last November as Scotland secured a place at this summer's North America extravaganza.
Clarke will soon name his squad for friendly matches with Japan (28 March) and Ivory Coast (31 March).
"I'm really hopeful," Bain said before Falkirk's Scottish Cup quarter-final against Dundee United on Friday, which is live on BBC Scotland.
"I've really been working from the last squad to this squad to try and make sure that I can get in there and we'll see if I've managed to do enough.
"My hope was going in the last squad to really give a good account of myself to the manager and to the staff and show my qualities when I was away.
"I hope with that and the games between then and now that my performances have been good enough to make myself back into the squad."
As well as the Bairns' Scottish Cup ambitions, Bain is also part of Falkirk's push for a top-six finish in their first season back in the Premiership.
"I mean, it's always there in the back of your mind but like I say, I just need to focus here," he added.
"If I do manage to go away with Scotland in the next camp, give myself the best platform to give myself the best chance to be on that plane, it would be a dream, yeah, of course."
Manchester United are considering re-signing Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay for £70m in the summer, with Napoli willing to cash in on the 29-year-old just two years after he joined the Italian club from Old Trafford. (Fichajes), external
Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers are among the clubs interested in signing Scotland left-back Andy Robertson should the 31-year-old leave Liverpoolthis summer. (Caught Offside), external
Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, Getty ImagesScott McTominay said last week he is happy at Napoli
The Tartan Army is facing a ban over sporrans at this summer's World Cup finals in the United States as current rules dictate only bags measuring no more than 6½ x 4½ inches - half the size of Scotland's national garb - are allowed in the venues where Scotland will play in June. (Scottish Sun), external
Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSPaul McGinn is backing Motherwell defensive partner Stephen Welsh to play his way into Scotland's World Cup squad. (Scottish Sun), external
Image source, Getty ImagesBilly Gilmour has given Scotland head coach Steve Clarke a welcome boost for the March friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast by making his Napoli comeback in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Roma.
The 24-year-old midfielder was missing for three-and-a-half months after surgery on the groin problem that caused him to miss the final round of qualifying games as Scotland clinched a place at this summer's World Cup.
Gilmour came off the bench on 79 minutes at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with the hosts trailing 2-1.
He immediately played a key role in the Napoli equaliser with his smart pass starting a move which was finished off by Alisson Santos.
Napoli stay third in Serie A but the reigning champions now trail Inter Milan by 11 points.
Morocco are set to enlist a secret weapon for playing Scotland in this summer's World Cup - by hiring Spanish legend Andres Iniesta as their technical director. (Glasgow Times), external
Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.
The Scottish FA has announced the trial of a singing section for home matches at Hampden Park this year. (The National), external
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has promised Scotland fans they will not have to fork out ludicrous sums of money for tickets again when they co-host the next European Championships after the sky-high ticket prices for this summer's World Cup. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay is happy at Napoli but dreams of, sooner or later, returning to the Premier League and former club Manchester United are leading the way as English clubs look to entice the 29-year-old back home. (Tutto Mercato Web), external
Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, Getty ImagesScott McTominay has been a great success with Napoli
