Mark Hendry

Celtic defender Auston Trusty expects new striker Kasper Høgh to excel in the Champions League. Høgh joined Celtic after an impressive season with Bodø/Glimt, including goals against several major European clubs, and has already scored a hat-trick against Kilmarnock. Trusty praised his integration into the squad, hold-up play and confidence ahead of Celtic's playoff tie with LASK, which could secure a place in the Champions League league phase.

Sébastien Pocognoli has been officially appointed Scotland’s new head coach, replacing Steve Clarke. The 39-year-old Belgian, formerly of AS Monaco and Union Saint-Gilloise, was selected by the Scottish FA after a search led by Ian Maxwell and Craig Mulholland. Officials praised his attacking, front-foot approach, data-supported credentials and ability to connect with players. Pocognoli, who won a Belgian league title and cup with Union Saint-Gilloise, said he was honoured by the appointment and would begin preparing for Scotland’s next UEFA Nations League campaign.

Scottish FA head of refereeing Willie Collum explained why Celtic's second goal in their 4-0 Premier Sports Cup win over Dundee United was allowed to stand. VAR confirmed that the ball struck Celtic striker Kasper Hogh's arm, but deemed the contact accidental and not punishable because Hogh did not score; Camilo Duran was the eventual goalscorer. Collum also said the incident differed from a previously disallowed Falkirk goal involving punishable handball.

Former West Ham player and manager Iain Dowie is urging the club to sign Celtic midfielder Arne Engels, describing the 22-year-old Belgian as a versatile, high-quality passer who would be a “fantastic” acquisition. Celtic have placed a substantial valuation on Engels and are not eager to sell, but West Ham’s status and the competitiveness of the Championship could appeal to the player. Dowie also believes Jarrod Bowen’s continued presence strengthens West Ham’s attraction, while Celtic manager Martin O’Neill would reportedly prefer to retain Engels.

Hibernian defeated Rangers 2–1 at Ibrox, with Josh Campbell scoring a penalty and Callum Wright netting a stoppage-time winner after Jordan Obita’s own goal had briefly brought Rangers level. The main controversy concerned the first-half penalty awarded after Vanja Dragojević impeded Jason Kerr at a corner. Hibernian head coach David Gray said that referee Don Robertson had no choice but to award it after VAR review because the defender was not watching the ball and prevented Kerr from challenging for it.

Celtic assistant manager Shaun Maloney said Martin O'Neill is recovering well after undergoing a minor procedure and a brief hospital stay. O'Neill met Celtic’s players at their hotel but will miss the match against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, with Maloney taking charge from the dugout. Celtic hope O’Neill will return for the team’s next fixture at Tannadice.

Celtic supporter groups sharply criticise the club’s leadership over slow and ineffective transfer activity, accusing CEO Michael Nicholson and major shareholder Dermot Desmond of poor decision‑making, weak communication and an inability to meet competitive demands ahead of the new season. Fans express frustration over limited squad reinforcement, the departure of key players, and a lack of strategic clarity within the boardroom, warning that continued leadership failures risk undermining on‑field ambitions and unity among supporters.

James Forrest expressed confidence that Celtic will complete additional signings despite the club’s slow start to transfer activity, acknowledging supporters’ frustration while emphasizing that major additions often arrive late in the window. With only Camilo Duran and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain secured so far and manager Martin O’Neill indicating the current squad is insufficient for full competition, Forrest said players and fans must wait for further arrivals to materialize.

Claudio Braga affirms his full commitment to Hearts despite transfer interest following his award‑winning season. He states his agents will handle any offers that meet the club’s valuation while he concentrates on the upcoming Champions League qualifier against Sturm Graz.

Stephen Robinson confirmed he has chosen Aberdeen’s next captain but will delay the announcement, emphasising a shared leadership model rather than relying on a single figure. He praised former captain Graeme Shinnie and noted the value of multiple leaders within the squad. Robinson has overseen ten new signings and aims to streamline an oversized squad, expecting additional departures as he builds a stronger team structure for the upcoming season.

Two young Rangers players, Aiden McCallion and Lewis Stewart, have joined Queen's Park on loan under a new cooperation agreement between the clubs. Both moves are intended to support their development while allowing continued involvement with Rangers’ academy. McCallion recently debuted for the Rangers first team, while Stewart arrives after a successful loan at Alloa Athletic. The pair aim to contribute in the Scottish Championship as they take on a higher level of competition.

Ross Grant outlines his responsibilities as Celtic’s first dedicated set‑piece coach, describing a role focused heavily on analysis of both opponents and his own squad to maximise scoring and defensive effectiveness from dead‑ball situations. He explains how set‑piece work is integrated with the team’s broader tactical approach through coordination with the coaching staff during preseason training in Portugal.

Rangers continue restructuring their squad with six new signings, including Cammy Devlin, as manager Derek McInnes targets further reinforcements. Recruitment priorities include a right-sided winger, a left-sided centre‑back and potentially another central midfielder. The club is assessing options such as Vanja Dragojevic and Jens Hjerto‑Dahl, while outgoing transfers may be required to balance additional arrivals. McInnes emphasises progress made while acknowledging more work is needed before the season begins.

Nottingham Forest signed 16-year-old Hearts midfielder Boyd Fraser after closely monitoring his performances for club and Scotland’s youth teams. Youth coach Chris McGuane highlighted Fraser’s quality in possession and potential as he joins Forest’s Under-18 squad as a first‑year scholar. The club credited scout John McKenna for identifying the player. Hearts are also set to lose other young talents, including Alfie Osborne to Chelsea and Keir McMeekin to Manchester City.