Andy Campbell

Rangers manager Derek McInnes says the club still has money to strengthen the squad despite its Europa League exit and a winless opening four games. He believes the team needs more experienced players to support its younger recruits, while injuries have contributed to players being used out of position. Former Rangers players Richard Foster and Andy Halliday, along with former Hearts manager John Robertson, say McInnes should be given time but identify several positions requiring reinforcement. Rangers face St Mirren in the League Cup before a Conference League qualifying tie against Jablonec.

Celtic have signed Egypt winger Haissem Hassan from Real Oviedo on an initial four-year contract, with an option for a further season. The 24-year-old gained prominence at the World Cup after his direct running and dribbling helped Egypt threaten Argentina and Lionel Messi’s side. Born in Paris, Hassan began with Chateauroux, developed in Spain with Villarreal and several loan clubs, and helped Oviedo win promotion before struggling in La Liga. He is expected to operate primarily on Celtic’s right wing, potentially alongside fellow new arrivals Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran, as manager Martin O’Neill reshapes the attack ahead of the Champions League play-off against LASK.

Aberdeen came from behind to beat Hearts 2-1 at Pittodrie in a dramatic Scottish Premiership opener. Oisin McEntee put Hearts ahead, but Lewis Mayo equalised in the 90th minute before Kevin Nisbet converted a stoppage-time penalty after Stuart Findlay was sent off for fouling Toyosi Olusanya. Hearts were criticised for failing to manage the game and repeating defensive errors, while Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson praised his newly reshaped squad's character and resilience. Hearts must now recover quickly for their Europa League qualifier against Benfica in Lisbon.

Historical data suggests that Scottish Premiership champions generally need more than 90 points, with champions averaging 91.65 points since 2000 and 93.5 in the 2020s. A total in the 91–94 range is therefore likely to be competitive, although last season showed that 80 points can be insufficient when rivals perform exceptionally well. Celtic, Rangers and Hearts enter the new season with contrasting challenges: Rangers hope Derek McInnes can improve on his Hearts record with greater investment, while Wouter Vrancken must sustain Hearts' progress after their record points haul and runners-up finish.

Scottish Premiership clubs begin their League Cup group-stage campaigns this weekend, with holders St Mirren opening away to Dumbarton after a turbulent season marked by managerial changes and survival through the play-offs. Dundee seek redemption against Airdrieonians, while Dundee United travel to Stirling Albion after missing last year’s opening round due to European commitments. Falkirk, coming off an impressive Premiership season, visit Edinburgh City as other group fixtures unfold, while Aberdeen, Kilmarnock, St Johnstone and Livingston start their campaigns on 14 July.

Sione Tuipulotu aims to move past the frustration of Glasgow Warriors’ URC semi‑final defeat and Scotland’s collapse against Argentina last autumn as he prepares to captain Scotland in the opening Nations Championships Test. He and coach Gregor Townsend emphasise lessons learned from the 21‑point turnaround loss to the Pumas, highlighting team growth and the importance of recognising momentum shifts ahead of their rematch.

Scotland will be without Finn Russell for their Nations Championship opener against Argentina due to a calf injury, although head coach Gregor Townsend expects he may return to face South Africa. Jonny Gray re-enters the starting lineup after missing the Six Nations, with multiple changes made from the team that faced Ireland in March. Tom Jordan starts at fly-half, and Fergus Burke features on the bench. Townsend highlights squad depth and stresses the need for the team to gel quickly as they prepare for a demanding summer schedule including matches against South Africa and Fiji.