Friday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Exits by Celtic, Hearts and Rangers in the Europa League play-offs mean that, in two years' time, Scotland's European ranking will drop to 28th - behind Cyprus and Belarus - and clubs will face three Champions League qualifiers and four in the Europa League, starting against teams from the likes of Andorra and San Marino. (Daily Record)

Manchester City are allowing Celtic target Craig Bellamy to leave the club for nothing, but the Welsh striker looks poised to head for Liverpool rather than Glasgow. (Daily Record)

Kilmarnock have made a move for Belgium defender Mark De Man, with the 28-year-old having arrived in Scotland for talks after his contract expired with Germinal Beerschot. (Daily Express)

Scotland international Barry Bannan is set to remain at Aston Villa after manager Alex McLeish told Blackpool that the midfielder is not for sale despite a £1m offer. (Various)

Former Motherwell and Rangers goalkeeper Graeme Smith has signed a one-year contract with Gabala in Azerbaijan after impressing on trial following his release by Hibernian. (Daily Express)

The Scottish Football Association has appointed former Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia as their under-17 coach. (Various)

Joey Barton's Scottish agent, Willie McKay, could receive more than £600,000 if his client signs the three-year deal that the Newcastle United midfielder has been offered at QPR. (Daily Telegraph)

OTHER GOSSIP

Europe's top golfers were stung into action and thrown into chaos yesterday at Gleneagles as the Johnnie Walker Championship came under attack from a swarm of wasps, beest, hornets and hover flies. (the Sun)

Andrew Lemoncello has been forced to pull out of the world championships after conceding defeat in his fitness battle, 10 days before the marathon in Daegu. (the Herald)