Evening Times

Scotland's World Cup Team (or As Near As We're Going to Get One!) ; Germany 2006: We Might Not Be at the Party, but at Least the Spl Can Provide a Tartan Tinge to the Greatest Show On Earth Germany 2006: We Might Not Be at the Party, but at Least the Spl Can Provide a Tartan Tinge to the Greatest Show On Earth the Scots-Based Players to Look Out for Next June When the Serious Business of Winning the Jules Rimet Trophy Kicks Off . . .

SCOTLAND are still on course to have a team at next summer's World Cup Finals in Germany. They won't be turning out in the dark blue, or running out to the strains of Flower of Scotland.

Scots Women Are Sevens Champs

THE Scotland Women's sevens team, playing under the moniker of Rugby Ecosse Feminine, have won the International Ladies Trophy final in front of a sell-out crowd of 30,000 in Dubai, beating the might of Kazahkstan by 21-0. A memorial service for Richard Burns, England's only world rally champion, will be held on December 22 in London.

Baxter's Busy in Beaver Creek

Rocks to Blunt the Sharks' Bite

THE Scottish Rocks are riding high at the top of the British Basketball League right now but turn their attentions again tonight to the BBL Trophy. The Rocks, who beat Chester Jets 82-61 in their first pool match on Thursday night, host the Sheffield Sharks, tip-off 7.30pm at Braehead.

Lawson Wants More of Oliver Glasgow Hooker Relishes Battle with Gunners

SCOTT Lawson is hoping to use the lessons he learned squaring up to All Blacks legend Anton Oliver to help Glasgow beat rivals Edinburgh tomorrow. Lawson played for Scotland in their 29-10 defeat against Graham Henry's all-conquering New Zealand tourists at Murrayfield last weekend.

Don't Knock This Title Fight - It's My Road to the Big Time Limond Backs Wbu Showdown

WILLIE LIMOND has blasted the critics for dismissing his WBU lightweight title fight with Michael Gomez as a battle for a meaningless bauble. The WBU belt may be the most lightly regarded of the current alphabet soup range of global titles available, but Limond reckons the fact that Ricky Hatton made his name defending the light welterweight version of the organisation's title, is proof that this is a pudding with punch.

I've Plenty of Faith We Can Save Face Against Inter. . . And Make Euro History Champions League Rangers Stopper Marvin Andrews Reckons Divine Intervention Can Aid a Scottish First

THAT famous grin breaks out across Marvin Andrews' face when asked about the prospect of facing Inter Milan's second choice strike-force at Ibrox next week. Given that the Italians have already won Group H, and face AC Milan a week today in the city derby, there is a school of thought that they won't care a jot on Tuesday as Rangers attempt to create history by becoming the first Scottish club to make the last 16.

Calling All Kids. . . Win Training Place with Rangers Community

WE'VE teamed up with Rangers Community Football to give away places at this year 's Christmas training courses. The courses are at either Bellahouston Leisure Centre or Parklands Country Club, and run from Wednesday, Dec 28, to Friday the 30th, between 10-12 noon or from 12.30 to 2.30pm.

Mcnaughton On Celt Link

KEVIN McNAUGHTON has dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Parkhead and insists he will treat tomorrow's game against Celtic no differently to any other time he has faced the SPL leaders. The versatile 23-year-old's contract is up at the end of the season and manager Gordon Strachan was reported to have earmarked him as a long-term replacement for right-back Paul Telfer.

Lennon: Stan Staying at Celts Petrov Won't Go, Says Skipper

NEIL LENNON has played down growing fears among Celtic fans that Stilian Petrov will be allowed to leave just like Jackie McNamara. Petrov, who has only 18 months left on his current contract, is attracting interest from several English Premiership clubs.

Prso 'Long Shot' for Inter Crunch

DADO PRSO'S chances of facing Inter Milan in next Tuesday's GBP3million Champions League showdown at Ibrox are fading. The Croatian damaged a hamstring against Celtic a fortnight ago and has been having intensive treatment at Murray Park.

Tiago Hopes to Give Prso a Miss

FALKIRK defender Tiago is crossing his fingers that Dado Prso remains sidelined for this afternoon's game at Ibrox. The Portuguese centre-half is confident the Bairns can add to the woes of Alex McLeish's side and says they are heading to Glasgow with no fear.

Old Pal Darryl Is a Big Threat Warns Ross

ROSS McCORMACK has warned the Rangers defence to be on their guard against former team-mate Darryl Duffy at Ibrox this afternoon. The Falkirk striker 's goals played a key role in helping the Bairns win promotion to the SPL from the First Division last season, after leaving Ibrox.

I'll Play Anywhere to Have a Go at Spanking Bairns Ibrox Latest Versatile Murray Says His Rangers Mates Are Totally Focused On Ending Their Dire Winless Streak

RANGERS players have put on the blinkers and adopted tunnel vision for today's visit of Falkirk. Pushed aside for the time being are all thoughts of a crisis at Ibrox, the prospect of making history in the Champions League on Tuesday, and the future of manager Alex McLeish.

Back to Futures Ii Is Well Down the List Says Martyn

MARTYN Corrigan fully intends to put the disappointment of being overlooked for the Scotland Futures squad behind him - by winning a new deal with Motherwell. Fir Park defender Corrigan has been left out of Walter Smith's pool for the match against Poland at Rugby Park on Tuesday night.

Kids Won't Come to My Park Just to Learn How to Hassle Refs Celtic Latest Skipper Neil Lennon Hints at Coaching Role but New Academy Won't Be Named After Him

BY PUTTING his money where his mouth is, Neil Lennon has ensured a little bit of him will remain at Parkhead long after he hangs up his boots. The midfielder bought into the recent share plan announced by Dermot Desmond that will fund a new training academy, and the 34- year-old is hopeful that he might even be around to see the project come to fruition.

Calling All Kids. . . Win a Training Place with Celtic Community

WE'VE teamed up with Celtic in the Community to give away places at this year 's Christmas coaching sessions. It's an ideal opportunity for mum and dad to leave the kids in the capable hands of Celtic's Community and Academy coaches for last- minute shopping. The sessions are at Bellahouston, Gorbals, Tollcross, Scotstoun, Castlemilk and Parklands, and the Santa Soccer Centres run on December 24, the Festive Fun Days on December 29 and 30, and the New Year Knockout on January 5 and 6.

Jamie: Hoops Can Look Forward to Pointless Exercise Ex-Celt Smith Is Hoping to Put One Over Old Mates

IFJamie Smith has any regrets about quitting Celtic, they are that he didn't do it sooner. The versatile 25-yearold has started to develop the potential he showed at Parkhead, and in the past 18months his football education has been strengthened with a season in Holland before the move to Aberdeen.

Danny: It Won't Be Kris of Death

AUSSIE midfielder Danny Invincibile believes there will be life after talisman Kris Boyd's inevitable departure from Kilmarnock. The 26-year-old former Swindon man accepts the club's prize asset and main goal threat will leave in the January transfer window, or at best when his contract expires in the summer.

Freeze Frame . . . Scots Just Fail to Make the 1966 World Cup After Late Collapse

Occasion: Scotland play crucial World Cup qualifier against Poland. Date: October 13 1965.