FOOTBALL GOSSIP
Rangers boss Mark Warburton believes Joey Barton can be the best player in the Premiership in the new campaign. (Sunday Herald)
Warburton insists Barton is smart enough not to get into any trouble in Glasgow. The former Burnley midfielder has already sparked a war of words with Scott Brown by claiming he is in a different league to the Celtic skipper. (Sunday Mail)
Rangers striker Martyn Waghorn says working with a psychologist has helped him become a hit at Ibrox. (Scottish Sun)
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers hit out after Leigh Griffiths was spat on in the friendly against Maribor in Slovenia. Rodgers called the actions of Maribor defender Erik Janza “a disgrace”. (Sunday Express)
Griffiths is happy to play in a wider role under Rodgers, with the striker set to play on the right flank to accommodate new boy Moussa Dembele. (Scottish Sun)
Hibernian head coach Neil Lennon knows Thursday’s encounter with Brondby is fraught with danger after witnessing first hand how quickly a Europa League dream can turn into a nightmare. Lennon was in the crowd three years ago when Hibs suffered a humiliating 7-0 home defeat to Malmo. (Sunday Herald)
German legend Lothar Matthaus says something must be wrong with the youth set-up in Scottish football, with the national team’s absence from major tournament finals set to stretch to 20 years. (Scottish Sun)
FK Ventspils boss Paul Ashworth has warned Aberdeen his Latvian minnows can bring them more Europa League misery. Derek McInnes’ side were fortunate to see off Fola Esch from Luxembourg in the first qualifying round and now face Ventspils. (Sunday Mail)
Aberdeen defender Mark Reynolds has told his team-mates they must make the Europa League group stage, and is adamant the Dons can handle the pressure. (Scottish Sun)
Hearts coach Robbie Neilson has targeted Northern Ireland defender Liam Donnelly, who has been training with the club. (Scottish Sun)
OTHER GOSSIP
Andy Murray insists he will show no fear in today’s Wimbledon final against Milos Raonic, and plans to savour the experience more this time should he go on to claim his second SW19 title. (Sunday Herald)
Ivan Lendl reckons Andy Murray is now an even better player than when they first worked together. (Sunday Mirror)
Colin Montgomerie says his final appearance at the Open at his home course of Royal Troon “is one for dad”. James Montgomerie, 86, will become president of Royal Troon just after the Open, and Montgomerie Jnr says his father will be “very proud” watching him tee-off on Thursday. (Sunday Mail)
Eilidh Doyle wants to lead the UK’s relay team to European glory tonight and boost her Olympic medal hopes. (Scottish Sun)
