Ian Cathro is set for a major career move to Saint-Étienne after two successful seasons in charge of Estoril, according to reports in Portugal and Scotland. The former Hearts head coach is expected to leave the Portuguese side for the historic French club, with an agreement reportedly reached to release him from the final two years of his contract.

Saint-Étienne are said to have targeted Cathro after missing out on promotion back to Ligue 1, and he is now widely reported to be the man chosen to lead their rebuild. The move would mark a significant step up in profile for the 39-year-old Scot, who has rebuilt his reputation in Portugal after earlier spells in the UK. Reports in Portugal say Estoril will receive compensation for his departure.

Cathro spent two seasons at Estoril, finishing eighth in his first campaign and 10th in the second. Those results have been enough to put him on the radar of a club with real stature in French football, even if Saint-Étienne are currently outside the top flight. His rise has been noted by Portuguese and French outlets, which describe him as a surprise but serious appointment.

The move to Saint-Étienne underlines how much Cathro’s stock has improved since the difficult chapters of his career in Scotland. His work in Portugal has restored momentum and credibility, and the French job now offers him a chance to test himself at another historic club. If confirmed, it would be one of the more eye-catching appointments of the summer so far.

Scotland sent out a serious warning to their World Cup rivals by blowing Bolivia away 4-0 in New Jersey, producing a blistering first-half display that had the Tartan Army in dream land before next weekend’s opener against Haiti.

In searing 32-degree heat, Steve Clarke’s side came flying out of the traps and took the lead inside five minutes when Lawrence Shankland nodded home a brilliant Ryan Christie cross after the Bournemouth midfielder linked up neatly with Andy Robertson down the left. It was the perfect start.

Che Adams nearly doubled the lead moments later after a surging run from Ben Gannon-Doak, with Guillermo Viscarra forced into a low save. Scotland kept the pressure on, and their dominance was rewarded when Shankland flicked Christie’s delivery into the path of Scott McTominay, who smashed home from the edge of the box to make it 2-0.

Bolivia finally managed a sight of goal after the water break, but Angus Gunn was equal to Robson Matheus’ low drive. By then, though, the game was already slipping away from the South Americans, and Scotland were in complete control.

The third arrived through Adams, who rifled home from close range after another slick move involving Aaron Hickey and Gannon-Doak. Christie almost added a fourth moments later after a dazzling 50-yard run, while Gannon-Doak and Andy Robertson both went close as Scotland continued to carve through Bolivia at will.

The fourth goal came just before half-time and it was no more than Clarke’s men deserved. Gannon-Doak again caused havoc with a mazy run, Adams’ first effort was blocked, but the Torino striker was quickest to react and lashed in the rebound to make it 4-0.

Clarke rang the changes at the break, bringing on John McGinn and Kieran Tierney, while the second half became more stop-start. Gunn was forced into a sharp save from Carlos Melgar, and Shankland went agonisingly close to scoring his second of the night, when he side-footed Tierney’s cross just wide.

With the result long secured, Scotland made a raft of substitutions as Anthony Ralston, Kenny McLean, Findlay Curtis, George Hirst and Ross Stewart all got minutes. Late call-up Tyler Fletcher also earned his second cap, while John Souttar and Dominic Hyam came off the bench as Scotland cruised to a morale-boosting victory.

It was the kind of performance that will only crank up the belief heading into the tournament proper. Scotland now head to Charlotte, North Carolina, for a full week of training before facing Haiti in Foxborough next weekend, and after this showing the optimism will be off the charts.

Bolivia: Viscarra, Fernandez, Morales, Haquin, Rocha (Macazaga 46), Villamíl, Vaca, Matheus, Paniagua (Centella 46), Terceros, Ribera (Melgar 46).

Unused substitutes: Arroyo, Govea, Lampe, López, Nacif, Tórrez, Vivia, Zabala.

Scotland: Gunn, Hickey, Hanley (Hyam 80), Hendry (Souttar 80), Robertson (Tierney 46), Ferguson (Fletcher 80), McTominay (McLean 70), Gannon-Doak (Curtis 62), Christie (McGinn 46), Adams (Stewart 62), Shankland (Hirst 62).

Unused Substitutes: Dykes, Kelly, Gordon, Patterson, McKenna.

Reo Hatate has told Celtic that he wants to leave the club this summer, with the Japanese midfielder deciding the time is right to move on from the Scottish champions.

Signed from Kawasaki Frontale in January 2022 as one of the first arrivals of the Ange Postecoglou era, Hatate has built an impressive haul of silverware at Celtic Park, winning five league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups.

Hatate was largely used as a substitute during the closing stages of last season as Martin O’Neill’s side surged towards a league and cup double. Now, with Celtic aware of his wishes, he looks set to be one of the first major names through the exit door as the summer rebuild gets under way.

No firm bids have landed yet, but interest is already growing and more departures are expected at Parkhead. Kasper Schmeichel and Stephen Welsh have already gone, while questions remain over Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Daizen Maeda also appears to have played his final game after an impressive end to the season.

Elsewhere, Arne Engels has been linked with AC Milan, Maik Nawrocki is reportedly free to leave, and several January loan signings have already returned to their parent clubs. Reports in Japan have stated defender Hayato Inamura is close to a £1.5million move to FC Tokyo.

Celtic’s summer shake-up is already in full swing.

Martin O’Neill is Celtic manager again and this time it’s permanent. The 74-year-old Northern Irishman has signed a one-year deal to remain in charge at Parkhead into the 2026–27 season, with the option of a second year.

O’Neill led Celtic to a stunning League and Cup double after stepping back into the hot seat midway through what was a chaotic campaign. He had previously vacated the role when Wilfried Nancy was handed the job on a permanent basis part of the way through last season.

The Frenchman’s tenure was disastrous, with Nancy sacked just 33 days later after only eight games, a League Cup loss, and a derby defeat. Derry man O’Neill answered the call once more, turning the defending champions’ season around in dramatic fashion, culminating in an incredible final-day league-title-clinching win over Hearts at Parkhead.

Robbie Keane had been heavily linked with the position after leaving his role at Ferencvaros. The former Ireland striker had enjoyed a prolific loan spell at Celtic Park in 2010 and has won league titles in Israel and Hungary as a manager.

But Keane’s potential appointment sparked furious backlash from sections of the Celtic support, who objected to his previous managerial spell with Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. A statement opposing his appointment was said to be signed by dozens of Celtic supporters groups, and the row around his candidacy forced the club to look elsewhere.

Celtic hierarchy did hold talks about Keane, with him meeting shareholder Dermot Desmond earlier this week. However, the controversy surrounding Keane’s Israel connection made O’Neill the clear alternative.

O’Neill had sought time to consider his position after the Scottish Cup final win over Dunfermline. But the sense was always that he would be keen on the role for the longer term.

Remarkably, this comes 26 years after O’Neill became Celtic manager after leaving Leicester City. That first spell was hugely successful with Celtic winning three Scottish titles, three Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups under O’Neill, plus a run to the 2003 UEFA Cup final, where they lost to José Mourinho’s Porto.

Now, after those two interim spells and a domestic double, he’s back for keeps at Parkhead.

Hearts sporting director Graeme Jones has defended the club’s handling of Lawrence Shankland’s contract, following criticism over the clause that allowed Rangers to sign the striker on a free transfer this summer.

The Scotland international’s departure has caused frustration among supporters, with many questioning how such a key player was able to leave without a fee after just one season.

However, Jones insists the agreement was the only viable option available to secure Shankland’s return to Tynecastle last summer.

“The situation with Lawrence a year ago was actually quite simple,” Jones said. “We as a club had to make a calculation on whether we wanted to keep Lawrence or not and the only way in which we could keep him was with the deal that was agreed in the end.”

Shankland went on to score 20 goals last season, playing a pivotal role as Hearts battled for the Scottish Premiership title, losing out on the final day after a 3-1 defeat to champions Celtic.

Jones argued that the striker’s impact both on and off the pitch justified the risk taken by the club.

“I accept that that may be difficult to hear but I defy anybody to push back against the fact that it was the correct decision for the club,” he added.

“Derek and I took that decision whereby we had Lawrence for the year, he scored 20-plus goals, his leadership on and off the park was of the highest level and he helped maneuver a difficult path for the team where everybody was expecting us to falter.”

Despite acknowledging supporter disappointment at losing their captain, Jones maintained that the club must now look ahead.

“I naturally understand the disappointment that our fans will feel at losing their captain and their striker, but it was the only deal in which it was going to be possible for us to move forward,” he said.

“I back the decision that we made and I’m thankful for the year that we had with Lawrence, but like all teams they evolve past players.”

Jones also hinted at further activity in the transfer market, as Hearts look to reshape their squad ahead of the new season.

Bolton Wanderers have completed the signing of Scotland Under-21 captain David Watson following the expiry of his contract at Kilmarnock.

The newly promoted Championship side have agreed an undisclosed compensation package with the Scottish Premiership club, subject to international clearance.

Watson leaves Rugby Park after a long association with Kilmarnock, having joined the club at the age of seven and progressed through the academy ranks to become a key first-team figure.

The midfielder made 140 senior appearances for Killie, scoring 13 goals and registering six assists, and played a central role in the squad over the past three seasons following his breakthrough.

His performances also saw him captain Scotland at Under-21 level, underlining his growing reputation as one of the country’s most promising young talents.

Watson had attracted interest from both Celtic and Rangers last season, but has opted to make the move south and continue his development in the English Championship.

Kilmarnock in an official statement, said: “Everyone at Kilmarnock sincerely thanks David for his commitment to the club, having worked his way through the age groups of our academy, and he departs with our best wishes for his career.”

Manwhile, Kilmarnock have announced the signing of 20-year-old striker Ieuan Owen from Welsh Premier League side Barry Town United on a two-year-deal, subject to international clearance.

Rangers have announced a series of renovation and improvement works at Ibrox Stadium as preparations begin for the new campaign.

With the season now concluded, attention has turned to upgrading both the playing surface and key areas of the stadium infrastructure.

The Ibrox pitch is currently undergoing maintenance to ensure it remains in top condition ahead of the new season, while supporters in the Copland Rear stand can expect an improved matchday experience with the installation of new glass balustrades to enhance sightlines.

Structural work will also take place in the Bill Struth Main Stand, including the replacement of internal timbers, fixing covers and external façade panels as part of ongoing maintenance and compliance efforts.

The club confirmed it is continuing to work alongside electrical contractors to complete inspection and testing within the listed Main Stand building, with the project scheduled for completion over the summer after beginning last September.

Several internal areas will also benefit from refurbishment. The Members Lounge is set for a significant upgrade, including new booth seating, LED lighting, flooring and decorative enhancements.

Nearby, the trophy room is being revamped with support from Club 1872, featuring new lighting and extensive redecoration. Much of the work has already been completed, with visitors expected to notice a refreshed look in one of the stadium’s most iconic spaces.

Further improvements funded through the Club 1872 heritage initiative include upgraded photography displays in the corridor between the trophy room and Members Lounge, as well as restoration work on wooden paneling within the Main Stand.

Beyond the stadium interior, restoration work is also planned for key landmarks around Ibrox. The John Greig Ibrox Disaster Memorial statue will undergo rewaxing and touch-up work, while plans are in place to install lighting at the statue of former manager Walter Smith, subject to approval from Glasgow City Council.

Elsewhere, discussions are ongoing regarding restoration work in the Blue Room, while painters will carry out maintenance across Ibrox, Edmiston House, the Rangers Training Centre and the Ibrox Community Complex.

The works form part of a wider effort by the club to modernise facilities, preserve heritage and enhance the overall supporter experience ahead of the new season.

Former Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne is to step down from the club’s board of directors, bringing an end to a 32-year association with the Scottish Premiership side.

Milne, who currently serves as a non-executive director, confirmed his decision by stating it is the right time for “fresh blood” to help guide the club into its next phase.

The lifelong Aberdeen supporter was appointed vice-chairman in 1997 before taking on the role of chairman a year later, a position he held until December 2019 when Dave Cormack succeeded him following a change in majority shareholding.

Reflecting on his tenure, Milne acknowledged both the successes and challenges experienced during his time at Pittodrie.

“During my tenure, there have been many highs and lows,” he told the club’s official website. “But, despite some very challenging and testing times, we’ve always found a way through.

“Inevitably, there will be new and different challenges ahead and I believe the time is right for me to make way for fresh blood to help the board steer the club over the next period.”

Milne highlighted key achievements during his time at the club, including Aberdeen’s recent Scottish Cup success, the development of the training facilities at Cormack Park, and significant growth in commercial performance and fan engagement.

While stepping away from his official role, Milne made it clear his connection to the club remains strong.

“I may be stepping down from the board, but I’m not stepping away from Pittodrie and will enjoy attending as many games as possible,” he added.

Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack paid tribute to Milne’s long-standing contribution, praising his leadership and commitment across more than three decades.

“Throughout that time, Stewart provided strong leadership and direction to navigate Aberdeen FC through some of the most challenging periods in our recent history,” Cormack said.

“His wise counsel, determination, drive and dedication have never wavered, and he has always acted in the best interests of our club.

“Stewart has been a huge support to me over the years and I was delighted he agreed to remain on the board after stepping down as chairman almost seven years ago.”

Cormack also confirmed that the club will honour Milne and his family with a formal tribute in due course.

Celtic academy graduate Stephen Welsh has left the club by mutual consent after the club agreed to terminate his contract a year early.

The 2026 Scottish champions have allowed the 24-year-old defender to move on as a free agent, effectively waiving any potential transfer fee in what is being described as a goodwill gesture.

Welsh, a product of the club’s youth system, made his breakthrough under Neil Lennon and went on to feature regularly across domestic and European competitions, earning a reputation as a dependable squad option.

Sky Sports News reporter Anthony Joseph revealed that interest is already building from abroad, with clubs in France and Poland monitoring the defender’s situation following his departure.

“Celtic and Stephen Welsh have mutually agreed to part ways this summer,” Joseph reported. “He’s been allowed to terminate his contract a year early – a goodwill gesture for his services. Clubs in France and Poland are interested.”

Welsh spent most of last season on loan at Motherwell, where he enjoyed a strong run of form and consistent game time in the Scottish Premiership, helping them to secure fourth place and with that a European spot.

He was briefly recalled to Celtic during the January window but made only a fleeting appearance in the Scottish Cup against Auchinleck Talbot, before returning to Fir Park for the remainder of the campaign.

Welsh now faces a key decision over the next step in his career, with a potential reunion with former Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou at Toulouse or a return to Fir Park also not ruled out.

Scotland stepped up their World Cup preparations with a comfortable 4-1 win over 10-man Curaçao at Hampden, but the afternoon was not without concern for Steve Clarke ahead of the finals.

In the first of two warm-up fixtures before ending a 28-year wait for World Cup football, Clarke rotated his squad heavily and initially saw his side fall behind to a moment of real quality from Tahith Chong.

The Sheffield United midfielder stunned Hampden in the 17th minute, plucking the ball from the air on halfway before surging forward past John Souttar and Scott McKenna, before finishing clinically past Craig Gordon.

Scotland had started steadily, with George Hirst heading wide from an Andy Robertson delivery before the captain himself flashed a long-range effort just off target. But Curaçao, managed by former Rangers boss Dick Advocaat, looked sharp on the counter and made their early dominance count.

The game turned in Scotland’s favour in the 37th minute when Jurgen Locadia’s reckless challenge on Aaron Hickey was upgraded from yellow to red following a VAR review.

However, the mood inside Hampden dropped just before the break when Billy Gilmour pulled up injured and was forced off - and it has now been confirmed that the Napoli midfielder will miss the World Cup.

His replacement, Findlay Curtis, quickly got things back on track for Clarke’s side. The youngster making just his second appearance in a Scotland jersey popped up to score his first international goal, latching onto a Kenny McLean pass before drilling low into the far corner to level the match before half-time.

Clarke made further changes at the break, introducing Tyler Fletcher for his Scotland debut alongside a raft of substitutions, and the second half quickly became a one-sided affair as Lawrence Shankland took centre stage.

Fresh from sealing his move to Rangers, the striker underlined his case for a World Cup starting role with two goals in five minutes. First, he hit the back of the net after a Ryan Christie cutback, before doubling his tally with a composed finish off the post after being picked out by Lyndon Dykes.

Shankland might have had a hat-trick but was denied when clean through on goal, while Christie himself added a fourth from the penalty spot after Curtis was brought down inside the box.

It sealed Scotland’s first home friendly win in a decade and offered plenty of positives, but the loss of Gilmour cast a shadow over an otherwise productive afternoon.

Attention now turns to the final warm-up clash with Bolivia in New Jersey on June 6, before Scotland open their World Cup campaign against Haiti a week later.

Livingston have appointed Glenn Whelan as their new head coach, turning to the former Republic of Ireland international following their Premiership relegation.

The 42-year-old replaces Marvin Bartley, who stepped down before the end of the season as Livingston’s drop out of the top flight was confirmed earlier this month.

Whelan arrives from English League One side Wigan Athletic, where he served as assistant manager, and now takes his first senior role in management as he looks to rebuild the West Lothian side.

Speaking after his appointment, Whelan expressed pride at being handed the opportunity.

“I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity… something I’m incredibly proud of, and I will give my all for the club moving forward,” he said.

“I’m eager to grasp this opportunity and help build a successful team that the fans can be truly proud of and get right behind. I’m grateful to the board for their belief in me, and the hard work has already begun. I can’t wait to get started and look forward to the journey ahead.”

Whelan’s appointment follows a period of uncertainty at the club after Bartley’s departure, with Livingston seeking a manager capable of leading a promotion push from the Championship next season.

Sporting director David Martindale admitted the process took time but believes the club have secured the right candidate.

“I know it’s taken a little bit of time, but we needed to make sure we got the right fit for the club, and we feel we’ve done that,” Martindale said.

“After detailed interviews, Glenn came across incredibly well, and we all feel there is real alignment between how Glenn approaches the game and how we want to do things ourselves.”

Whelan now faces the immediate challenge of reshaping a squad preparing for life outside the Premiership, with expectations likely to centre on a swift return to Scotland’s top tier.

Scotland have suffered a significant setback ahead of the World Cup, with midfielder Billy Gilmour ruled out of the tournament, after sustaining a knee injury during Saturday’s 4-1 friendly victory over Curaçao at Hampden Park.

The Scottish FA confirmed the 24-year-old Napoli playmaker will miss the tournament, issuing a brief but emotional statement: “We’re all with you, Billy.”

Gilmour, a key figure in Steve Clarke’s midfield plans, was forced off in the first half after pulling up in discomfort following a challenge. The early signs were ominous, with Clarke admitting post-match he was “100% worried” about the injury.

“One request was obviously no injuries,” Clarke said. “He hurt himself in the tackle and then he made the decision he had to come off, so that tells you that he himself knew it wasn’t right.”

The injury has also prompted an outpouring of support from within the squad and beyond. Napoli and Scotland teammate Scott McTominay shared his reaction on Instagram, writing: “Absolutely devastated for you brother, football is a cruel game and you don’t deserve this. Keep your head up. The players, staff and country love you.”

With Gilmour out, it left a place in the squad as Scotland are set to depart for the United States on Sunday. Despite having more seasoned and experienced professionals like Udinese’s Lennon Miller and Rangers’ Connor Barron, Steve Clarke has turned to 19-year-old Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher as Gilmour’s replacement. With a mere 17 minutes played for the Manchester United first team this season and 45 minutes in the 4-1 win over Curacao, Clarke has selected the son of former Scotland captain Darren Fletcher instead.

Scotland kick off their World Cup campaign against Haiti on the 14th June, and with another friendly lined up for the 6th June against Bolivia, Steve Clarke will be hoping that there are no new injury worries.

Falkirk have expressed frustration after their appeal against a suspended partial stadium closure was turned down, admitting they are still no clearer on what more they could have done to avoid it from happening.

The Scottish Premiership side were hit with a £500 fine earlier this year following the use of pyrotechnics by visiting supporters during their Scottish Cup tie with Stenhousemuir in February. Alongside the fine, the club were handed a suspended sanction that could see 25% of Falkirk Stadium closed for a future cup fixture if similar incidents occur before the end of the 2027/28 season.

That penalty carries serious implications. Sections such as the North Stand or Kevin McAllister Stand could be fully shut, or up to half of the Main Stand could be impacted, a scenario that would deal a financial blow not only to Falkirk but also to visiting clubs.

In response, Falkirk sought to challenge the severity of the sanction and asked the Scottish FA for clarity on what preventative measures they were expected to take. According to the club, that clarity has yet to arrive from the governing body.

Despite the unsuccessful appeal, Falkirk have reiterated their commitment to working alongside authorities, security teams, and supporter groups to minimise the risk of similar incidents going forward. However, they maintain the view that the punishment was excessive, particularly in the absence of clear guidance from the governing body.

Falkirk have now issued a direct appeal to their supporters, urging fans to avoid using pyrotechnics at matches. They stressed that further incidents could trigger sanctions that harm the club financially while also posing safety risks within the stadium.

The Scottish FA have announced that Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has signed a new contract until the summer of 2030.

The former Kilmarnock manager’s current deal was due to expire after this summer’s World Cup, but has been rewarded after guiding Scotland to their first World Cup since France 98 and off the back of leading the national team to two European Championships.

Following the news, Steve Clarke said: “I am truly honoured to lead my squad into our first men’s World Cup in 28 years and I’m proud to continue as Head Coach.

“I know the Scotland supporters appreciate the achievements of this group in qualifying for back-to-back EUROs and equally sure the whole nation rejoiced in our qualification for World Cup 2026 after such a long time.

“It’s very important to look ahead and plan for the future and, while my squad will be doing everything in their power to compete and make the country proud in the America this summer, it also gives us certainty ahead of the tournament knowing that we can look to build on those foundations for the long-term and it is a privilege to continue in this role.

“Stability is the key to success in football and this has certainly been the case during my last seven years as Head Coach. It’s important we evolve and make improvements and I look forward to working with the new Chief Football Officer, Craig Mulholland, to increase the pipeline of talent to the senior squad through the national youth teams.

“For now, it’s all about preparing for the World Cup, starting against Curaçao this weekend.”

Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell added: “On behalf of the Board I am delighted that we have agreed with Steve to continue as men’s Head Coach. His record speaks for itself: three finals tournament qualifications out of four, including consecutive EUROs finals and, of course, an imminent World Cup return after nearly three decades.

“Beyond that, he has built a squad that the nation has taken to its heart, making Barclays Hampden a fortress once again. During our discussions about the future we were all agreed that we cannot rest on our achievements or ever take qualification for granted.

“The passion and enthusiasm with which he discussed that road map emphasises that this will not simply be a continuation but a renewed purpose and focus over the next four years.”

His new deal will see him manage Scotland into Euro 2028 and the World Cup 2030 - should Scotland qualify.

But first Scotland travel to the United States in a week or so, before kicking off their World Cup campaign against Haiti on the 14th June in Boston.

The Scottish FA has confirmed the appointment of Craig Mulholland as Chief Football Officer, bringing the 56-year-old back to Hampden Park after a career that has taken in nine years at Rangers and three at Nottingham Forest.

Mulholland, who has been serving his notice period at the City Ground, will join the governing body this summer and take responsibility for football development and performance across all levels of the Scottish game - from elite international football to grassroots participation.

The appointment fills the vacancy left by Andy Gould, who departed after more than 30 years with the Scottish FA to take up a new role with FIFA.

A career built on developing talent

Mulholland’s most prominent role in Scottish football came during nine years as Academy Director at Rangers, where he oversaw a talent pathway that produced current Scotland internationals Billy Gilmour, Liam Kelly and Nathan Patterson.

In 2023, he moved to Nottingham Forest as Head of Football Development and Talent Management. During his time at the City Ground, Forest achieved their highest-ever Premier League finish and reached the semi-final of a European competition for the first time in over 40 years on the men’s side, while the women’s team were promoted to WSL2 for the first time in the club’s history.

Second spell at Hampden

This is not Mulholland’s first stint with the governing body. He began his career in football administration as a Football Development Officer with the Scottish FA more than 20 years ago, progressing to Senior Youth Development Officer before his move into club football at Rangers. His return to Hampden represents a full-circle moment for him.

As CFO, Mulholland will sit on the Scottish FA’s Senior Executive Team and take strategic responsibility for elite performance alongside grassroots development - a dual remit that reflects the breadth of the challenge facing Scottish football as it looks to capitalise on Scotland qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

He also confirmed he will be working closely with men’s head coach Steve Clarke and women’s head coach Melissa Phillips as both national teams prepare for upcoming international fixtures.

Speaking on his appointment, Mulholland said: “I am delighted to be joining the Scottish FA at a critical time for the game in our country, which I care passionately about. We have the World Cup to look forward to, and that excitement brings the ideal opportunity to implement positive change throughout all areas of our game, building on the many strengths we have as a nation.

“I have loved my time working in the Premier League, where every day you are exposed to the world’s best players and coaches, but when I heard the desire and willingness from Mike, as President, and Ian, as CEO, to really implement an exciting period of growth and change here in Scotland, it was something I was excited about, delighted to accept, and privileged to be asked to lead.”

Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell added: “We’re delighted to have Craig on board. He was the outstanding candidate from a thorough process. This is a critical role within the Scottish FA, and Scottish football in general, so we wanted to make sure that we took our time to find the right individual who can help drive improvements across the board.”

Hearts have confirmed the pre-contract signing of MJ Kamson-Kamara, seeing off competition from Glentoran, where the defender was on loan at this season.

The 20-year-old centre-back, who came through the Bromley academy before signing his first professional contract with Lincoln City in 2023, will join the Jambos on July 1st on a deal running until 2030. The move, subject to SFA approval, ends a transfer chase after Hearts, backed by Tony Bloom’s Jamestown Analytics, identified Kamson-Kamara as a target after his loan spell in Northern Ireland.

Across 31 appearances for the Glens, the defender contributed five goals and helped the club to a second-place finish in the NIFL Premiership - just four points behind champions Larne - while also reaching the Irish League Cup Final, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Linfield after extra time.

Kamson-Kamara arrives as a long-term investment with a contract running to 2030, giving the Edinburgh side a young centre-back to develop over the next few years.

He will link up with his new teammates for pre-season, ahead of the 2026/27 season with Champions League qualifying on the horizon.

Auston Trusty has capped off winning a league and cup double with Celtic by earning a place in the United States squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The 27-year-old centre-back, who joined Celtic from Sheffield United in August 2024, was named in Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-man roster on Wednesday - one of thirteen defenders selected as the co-hosts prepare for Group D openers against Paraguay, Australia and Turkey beginning on June 13th.

Trusty made 41 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice, and was part of the side that pipped Hearts to clinch the Scottish Premiership title on the final day of the season.

That resilience, digging in during a turbulent mid-season period at Celtic, and helping stabilise the defence is precisely the kind of form that has persuaded Pochettino to bring him to the World Cup.

Trusty is in distinguished company in a squad that also includes AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams, Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson and Leeds United’s Brenden Aaronson. But for Celtic supporters, it is their man who will command the most attention, not least because he heads into the tournament fresh from lifting a domestic league and cup double.

For Trusty, the Premiership trophy has barely been put down and now there is a World Cup to play in. Not a bad summer for the Celtic defender.

Hearts have confirmed that four players will leave Tynecastle Park when their contracts expire this summer - with Beni Baningime, Frankie Kent, Alan Forrest and Lewis Neilson all moving on as Derek McInnes begins the business of building for next season.

It marks the end of an era in Gorgie for the quartet who between them have given plenty of memorable moments in maroon - from European nights to derby screamers to helping fire the club to second place and a Champions League qualifying campaign. But now, as Hearts prepare for life at the top table of Scottish football once again, all four will seek their next challenges elsewhere.

Their exits come hot on the heels of captain Lawrence Shankland moving to Premiership rivals Rangers on a free transfer and at a pivotal moment for Hearts. Having secured second place in the Premiership and a return to Champions League qualifying football for the first time in years, McInnes now faces the task of keeping that momentum going, while replacing players who have been part of the fabric of the club for the best part of four seasons.

The summer window opens on June 15th and there will be a huge amount of work to be done in Gorgie.

Derek Cornelius has launched a stinging attack on Rangers head coach Danny Rohl, accusing the German of freezing him out without reason and leaving him to rot in the stands during the most important year of his career.

The Marseille defender, who was on loan at Ibrox, did not play a single minute for the club after November, banished from match squads after a brief fallout with Rohl following his return from a hamstring injury. Now, with the Canada international heading to a home World Cup next month, Cornelius has finally had his say.

And he has not held back.

Speaking in an interview in his homeland, the 28-year-old centre-back described the moment Rohl called him into his office - just two training sessions after returning from an extended hamstring lay-off - and told him his season was effectively over.

“I was out for an extended period of time, but excited to come back and was looking forward to it,” he said. “There were no conversations between me and the manager during that time, which was fine. I think I came back into team training maybe twice or so, and then after the second training, I was called into the manager’s office. He basically just told me that from now until the end of the season, you’re not going to be part of the squad.

“I just felt that was really unfair. I felt like I deserved the opportunity to work my way back into the team.”

Cornelius says he made every effort to make Rohl change his mind, pleading his case and pointing to what he could still offer the squad, even in a limited role.

“I said to them, ‘I can help this team’ in some way - whether that’s starting, whether it’s five minutes to hold on to a lead, or whether that’s having a conversation with a younger player saying, ‘Don’t worry about the pressure, just focus on your job,’” Cornelius said. “Whatever. But I wasn’t given a solid reason as to why I was not considered.

“Maybe if the manager saw the way I’ve been training for the last two, three weeks, he could have changed his mind. But it wasn’t the case and it’s disappointing.”

There was also a pointed remark about what Cornelius believes Rangers threw away this season. Despite the personal anguish, he remains convinced the talent was there at Ibrox to challenge for silverware.

“I honestly feel like we had enough talent and enough ability to go on and win a title,” he said. A comment that will sting in the aftermath of another season without Premiership glory at Ibrox.

Now Cornelius turns his attention to something far bigger. Canada host this summer’s World Cup, and the defender is relishing the weight of expectation that comes with it.

“The World Cup at home means a different kind of pressure,” he said. “If we don’t get any points in the group stage it’s a big disappointment. I personally like those expectations being put on the team, because we’re finally getting recognised as a good team, a solid team and we need to perform now.”

Lawrence Shankland has finally got the move he always wanted - and he is not hiding how much it means to him.

The Scotland striker, 29, has signed a two-year deal at Ibrox, joining on a free transfer from Hearts and becoming Rangers’ first signing of the summer window. And in his first interview with RangersTV, the new No. 9 made no attempt to play it cool.

“I am delighted to get this opportunity it feels like a long time coming, to be honest,” Shankland said. “The amount of times I’ve been rumoured with it, but I am just delighted to get it done and to be a Rangers player. Rangers is my boyhood club, and it has always been a dream to play here.”

The links between Shankland and Rangers have been a constant of Scottish football rumour mills for several years. He admits interest was swirling around him again this week and the moment he knew it was real, his mind was made up in an instant.

“I just had to remain focused on my job at hand, but obviously, when I heard the interest was real this week, I was really keen to get it done,” he said. “The club is in a position where they want to get back to winning silverware more regularly. I want to be a big part of that and that’s what I come here to do.”

Shankland spent four years at Tynecastle, captaining the side and becoming one of the most reliable strikers in the Premiership. He guided Hearts to a title race that came agonisingly close at the end of last season, and he was gracious in acknowledging what Hearts gave him, even if the feeling was not exactly mutual, judging by the parting statement from the club.

“When you come to make the decision to leave, it’s never easy,” he said. “It was a bit easier, the fact that it’s obviously Rangers, but listen, Hearts have been a huge part of my life for the last four years and I’ll always be grateful to them for the opportunities they gave me.”

Before he pulls on a Rangers shirt, Shankland has one more date in the diary, the World Cup with Scotland this summer. He battled back from an injury near the end of the season to force his way into Steve Clarke’s squad, and he is not about to waste a moment of it.

“It’s going to be a brilliant experience for me and for my family,” he said. “I just need to take it in my stride for now. But when the moment comes to reflect on it, I will. First the World Cup, then back here to get started.”