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Nations League League C, Group 1: Albania v Scotland Venue: Loro Borici Stadium, Shkoder Date: Saturday, 17 November Kick-off: 19:45 GMT Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland; live text commentary on BBC Sport website

Hamburg defender David Bates “has all the attributes to be a real success story for Scotland over the years,” says ex-Rangers team-mate Kenny Miller.

The 22-year-old could win his first cap in the forthcoming Nations League games against Albania and Israel, as one of only three centre-backs in the squad.

“He is a great lad and works very, very hard,” Miller told BBC Sportsound. [1]

“He is a very good defender, very quick, strong. If he gets the nod, I am sure he won’t let anyone down.”

Bates received his first senior call-up this week with Charlie Mulgrew joining the likes of injured Hearts duo John Souttar and Christophe Berra on the sidelines.

Aberdeen’s Michael Devlin has subsequently been forced to withdraw, leaving Bates to compete with Celtic’s Jack Hendry – Devlin’s replacement – for a possible starting spot alongside Scott McKenna for Saturday’s match in Albania, with Celtic’s Kieran Tierney another option depending on Alex McLeish’s preferred formation.

‘I am hearing rave reviews about him’

Bates caused something of a stir earlier this year when he signed a four-year-deal with German outfit Hamburg as a free agent, having only played 28 senior games with Rangers.

He started his senior career at League Two East Stirling, with spells at Raith Rovers in the Championship, and Brechin City in League One, before moving to Ibrox in the summer of 2016.

“I had 18 months with him at Rangers, and he is one of those lads that needs to play,” added veteran striker Miller, now at Dundee.

“You could see big Batesy had all the attributes. He has gone over to Bundesliga2 and I am hearing rave reviews about him. I hear bigger teams in Germany are reportedly sniffing around him about a possible move in January, or at the end of the season.

“It shows the character of the boy that he has gone to that level. He could have stayed at Rangers or somewhere closer to home, but he has taken the plunge and decided to try something different. By all accounts it has worked out great for him.”

Who should lead Scotland’s attack against Albania & Israel?[2]

Hendry replaces Devlin in Scotland squad[3]

Listen to BBC Scotland’s Sportsound podcast[4]

Armstrong ‘doesn’t miss Scottish football’[5]

After Saturday’s match in Shkoder, Scotland return home to host Israel next Tuesday, 20 November.

Israel lead League C Group 1 by three points but have played a game more than Scotland.

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Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Celtic), Jamie MacDonald (Kilmarnock), Allan McGregor (Rangers).

Defenders: Scott McKenna (Aberdeen), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Graeme Shinnie (Aberdeen), Kieran Tierney (Celtic), David Bates (Hamburg), Jack Hendry (Celtic).

Midfielders: Stuart Armstrong (Southampton), Ryan Christie (Celtic), James Forrest (Celtic), Ryan Fraser (Bournemouth), Gary Mackay-Steven (Aberdeen), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Callum Paterson (Cardiff City), Scott McTominay (Manchester United).

Forwards: Steven Fletcher (Sheffield Wednesday), Oliver McBurnie (Swansea City), Matt Phillips (West Bromwich Albion), Johnny Russell (Sporting Kansas City).

My Scotland team to face Albania

Select formationConfirm team

References

^ BBC Sportsound. (www.bbc.co.uk)

^ Who should lead Scotland’s attack against Albania & Israel? (www.bbc.co.uk)

^ Hendry replaces Devlin in Scotland squad (www.bbc.co.uk)

^ Listen to BBC Scotland’s Sportsound podcast (www.bbc.co.uk)

^ Armstrong ‘doesn’t miss Scottish football’ (www.bbc.co.uk)

BBC Sport – Scottish

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says there is a five-horse race for the Premier League title after nine games.

Defending champions City top the table, level on points with unbeaten Liverpool – with Chelsea, Arsenal and Monday’s opponents Tottenham two points behind.

When asked if it was a five-horse race for the title, Guardiola replied: “I don’t have any doubt about that.”

“There’s only two points difference between five or six teams. It’s strong. Tottenham are always there.”

The Spaniard added: “Last season we did really well in both games, but they are a top team.”

City travel to Wembley to play Tottenham the day after the stadium stages an NFL match between Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles.

Guardiola said his side would “have to adapt” to the condition of the pitch.

“I am sure Tottenham have a good green keeper [groundsman]. Hopefully they can finish their stadium as quickly as possible, but it is what it is. It is not necessary to complain.”

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BBC Sport – Football

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FOOTBALL GOSSIP

England manager Gareth Southgate could snatch Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney, who has been capped twice in friendlies, from Scotland. (Scottish Sun)[1]

Brendan Rodgers insists Leigh Griffiths can have no complaints about Steven Naismith jumping ahead of him in the Scotland queue. (Daily Record)[2]

Steven Gerrard has challenged his Rangers players to make history by winning in Spain and then justify his belief that they can upset the odds and qualify from their tough Europa League group. (Times, subscription required)[3]

Motherwell and St Mirren are keeping tabs on Dutch winger Morad El Haddouti, the 20-year-old starring with NEC Nijmegen’s Under-23 side. (Scottish Sun)[4]

Gordon Strachan has denied any knowledge of a sinister plot to stop Rangers winning the title in 2008. (Daily Record)[5]

Martin Boyle is in line to become Hibs’ latest Socceroo after face-to-face talks with boss Graham Arnold. (Scottish Sun)[6]

The man in charge of football’s international rule-book, IFAB technical director David Elleray, wants urgent talks with the SFA over the string of highly contentious red card decisions which have caused early season chaos in Scotland’s top flight. (Daily Record) [7]

Celtic’s Kieran Tierney says the Europa League will never be a second-rate tournament after facing Robin van Persie and Nani in an unexpected continental debut in the competition three years ago. (Scottish Daily Mail)[8]

Don Cowie believes Hearts have enough factors going in their favour to be able to mount a genuine challenge for the Scottish Premiership title this season. (Edinburgh Evening News)[9]

Inverness Caley Thistle midfielder Riccardo Calder is making the most of downtime away from the pitch by recording his own rap music. (Press and Journal)[10]

Former Scotland and Celtic midfielder Barry Robson insists he is ready to take his first step into management after being linked with the vacant Raith Rovers post. (Herald, print edition)

English football gossip[11]

OTHER GOSSIP

Glasgow Warriors and Scotland star Stuart Hogg faces ankle surgery and will be sidelined for up to two months. (Scottish Daily Mail)[12]

Edinburgh centre James Johnstone accepts that Mark Bennett’s injury setback presents him with an opportunity but takes no pleasure from his luckless team-mate’s latest blow. (Scotsman)[13]

Sergio Garcia believes he has no point to prove in next week’s Ryder Cup in Paris, insisting he can’t just be judged by his performance on the course after controversially securing one of Thomas Bjorn’s European wildcards. (Scotsman)[14]

References

^ (Scottish Sun) (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)

^ (Daily Record) (www.dailyrecord.co.uk)

^ (Times, subscription required) (www.thetimes.co.uk)

^ (Scottish Sun) (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)

^ (Daily Record) (www.dailyrecord.co.uk)

^ (Scottish Sun) (www.thescottishsun.co.uk)

^ (Daily Record) (www.dailyrecord.co.uk)

^ (Scottish Daily Mail) (www.dailymail.co.uk)

^ (Edinburgh Evening News) (www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com)

^ (Press and Journal) (www.pressandjournal.co.uk)

^ English football gossip (www.bbc.co.uk)

^ (Scottish Daily Mail) (www.dailymail.co.uk)

^ (Scotsman) (www.scotsman.com)

^ (Scotsman) (www.scotsman.com)

BBC Sport – Scottish

Hearts defender John Souttar says the influence of Christophe Berra is key to the improvements that have led to his Scotland call-up.

Souttar, 21, has taken over the captain’s armband at Tynecastle, with Berra, 33, sidelined for six months[1] with a torn hamstring.

A debut cap could now follow in games against Belgium or Albania next month.

“Playing next to Christophe last season has taught me so much about defending,” Souttar told BBC Scotland.

“Before that, I was maybe too concentrated on starting attacks; now it’s defence first.

“I think all the top centre-halves have had a period in their careers playing next to an experienced defender. Every single day I’m asking questions and trying to learn from Christophe and Aaron Hughes as well.”

Hearts boss Levein in hospital[2]

Uncapped Souttar in Scotland squad[3]

Souttar also owes a debt of thanks to current team-mate Steven MacLean, who gave him a torrid time as a teenager.

A first-team regular at 16 with Dundee United, the centre-back recalls a few bruising encounters with MacLean, now 36.

“[Former United boss] Jackie McNamara kept playing me, sometimes when I wasn’t ready, but looking back now the experience I gained was massive.

“There were times when you’d be uncomfortable going into a battle with a striker who was a lot bigger but it was a learning curve. You had to learn how to use your body and how not to use it.

“Steven is very clever with his body movement, using his elbows mostly. He was tough to play against and thankfully he’s on my team now.

“When I was younger and getting bullied by strikers, it wasn’t enjoyable but now I have matured physically and enjoy defending more.”

‘Always my dream to play for Scotland’

Scotland manager Alex McLeish has named Souttar in his squad for the friendly with the Belgians next Friday, 7 September and a Nations League opener against Albania three days later.

“When I was growing up it was always my dream to play for Scotland,” he said.

“The goal from as long as I can remember was to pull on the national team jersey. If I get to do that this time, it will be amazing.”

“If not, I’ll just keep working hard and hopefully the opportunity comes at one point.”

Hearts top the Premiership with three wins from three and Souttar aims to make it four in a row against St Mirren on Saturday.

Manager Craig Levein was admitted to hospital on Monday, with the defender saying: “It came as a shock to everyone.

“The gaffer is so loved by everyone in the dressing room; you see the way we work for him. He’s on the mend and knowing him he will be itching to get back involved.

“It’s important we go out and get the victory for him, which is the best remedy you can get.”

References

^ sidelined for six months (www.bbc.co.uk)

^ Hearts boss Levein in hospital (www.bbc.co.uk)

^ Uncapped Souttar in Scotland squad (www.bbc.co.uk)

BBC Sport – Scottish

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St Mirren manager Alan Stubbs says the decision to overturn Alfredo Morelos’ red card against Aberdeen has ‘created a grey area’. BBC Sport – Scottish

Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson will likely look out for Stenhousemuir’s result after facing Roma on Tuesday, says former team-mate Jamie Longworth.

While Robertson’s side play their Champions League semi-final, Stenny need a win to secure a promotion play-off place in Scottish League Two.

Longworth was at Queen’s Park when the left-back made his senior breakthrough.

“I’m sure he’ll maybe look out for the result once he’s finished celebrating if they win tonight,” the striker said.

Match preview: Liverpool v Roma[1]

Robertson will have had a day of rest as he prepares for the Reds’ first leg against the Italians in front a TV audience of millions.

Longworth warmed up for his night in front of a couple of hundred fans in the company of pupils at the school where he is a guidance teacher before the one hour 40 minute drive to face Berwick Rangers at tiny Shielfield Park.

But the 30-year-old, who has scored six goals in 37 appearances this season, does not begrudge the younger man the contrast in fortunes that has also led to 24 Scotland caps.

“I would love to be in Andy’s shoes, so there’s definitely a slight sense of the ‘green-eyed monster’,” Longworth told BBC Scotland.

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“But, more than anything, I’m just delighted. He was a really good guy to play alongside.

“I’m delighted at how well he’s done and he’s only going to go on to bigger and better things as well.”

Having been on Celtic’s books as a youth, Robertson had to swap the green and white hoops for the famous black and white stripes of amateurs Queen’s Park in Scotland’s fourth tier before making his senior debut in 2012.

Asked if he could tell that the then 18-year-old could reach the top, Longworth said: “I think we did, to be honest.

“The boys who were in the team at the time, I think we all agreed that Andy did have something.”

Robertson arrived at Hampden along with Lawrence Shankland, a striker who won a move to Aberdeen and who is now top scorer in League One with Ayr United, and Aidan Connolly, the midfielder who was transferred along with the full-back to Dundee United and now plays for the York City in the National League North.

“Queen’s Park have a really good youth system and, with Andy and other boys coming through, you’re bound to have scouts coming to games,” Longworth said.

“He did have a particularly good season and a lot of that was down to the team we created.

“He had the chance to go on and do something if he put his mind to it and he certainly did. He had a really good attitude and he’s obviously reaping the benefits now.

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“The ability he had wasn’t in question straight away and he took advice on board really well from the older heads in the team.”

Longworth said that, from the moment he arrived for pre-season training, Robertson displayed the qualities that led Hull City then Liverpool to pay multi-million pound fees for the 24-year-old’s services.

“At that age, they have no fear and Andy would take the ball in tough situations, he was always looking to get on the ball, he was really positive as well,” he recalled.

“When he got the ball, his first thought was going forward instead of back and he really did stand out for those reasons.”

As Robertson’s reward for Queen’s Park’s progress to the promotion play-offs was a transfer to Tannadice, Longworth, who had joined the Spiders from junior outfit Kilbirnie Ladeside, joined Stranraer in League One.

After a spell with Alloa Athletic, he joined Stenhousemuir last summer and is looking for a quick exit for himself and his new club after one season back in Scotland’s fourth tier.

With two games of their season to go, the Warriors lie fourth, one point above Clyde with a game in hand.

A win over Berwick would lift Longworth’s side into third place ahead of Stirling Albion. Draw or lose and it continues as a three-way chase for two play-off places into Saturday’s final day, when it’s Clyde’s turn to face Berwick in Cumbernauld as the Warriors visit Stirling.

References

^ Match preview: Liverpool v Roma (www.bbc.co.uk)

BBC Sport – Scottish