Forgotten Rangers man back in picture as Celtic line up double transfer swoop amid Harvey Barnes blessing

Barnes blessing for Scotland

Kenny McLean says the current Scotland squad would have no problem if England internationalist Harvey Barnes defected for next summer’s World Cup.

In-form Newcastle forward Barnes qualifies for Scotland through his grandparents and despite being capped once by England in 2020, he is able to switch allegiances. Such a prospect has grown over the coming days after the 26-year-old intimated that he would be open to discussions with Scotland boss Steve Clarke.

“Obviously, when we talk about these things the manager looks at characters and personalities as well and how they fit in,” said McLean, one of the senior players in the Scotland set-up. “Listen, he’s playing in the Premier League week-in, week-out of course he is going to add quality to us.

“I think the players will need to sit him down and see what he is like as a lad as well. I don’t know if the manager will let us do that!”

Duo tipped to join Celtic

Celtic are closing in on the appointment of Wilfried Nancy as their new manager - and the Frenchman has been tipped to bring two players with him from the MLS.

Nancy and Celtic are in advanced talks and the 48-year-old is expected to take the Parkhead hotseat once compensation has been thrashed out with his current club Columbus Crew.

And Nancy is reportedly keen on bringing Uruguayan winger Diego Rossi and Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali with him. Both players have been stand-outs this season at Columbus.

Martin O’Neill continues to be in temporary charge of first-team affairs at Celtic.

Sterling steps up Rangers comeback

Rangers defender Dujon Sterling continued his recovery from a serious Achilles injury as he played for Rangers Under-19s in a 4-2 defeat by St Mirren.

Sterling, 26, has not featured for the Ibrox side since a defeat by Athletic Bilbao on early April, but slotted in alongside Clinton Nsiala as the wee Gers were defeated by the Buddies.

Midfielder Kieran Dowell also stepped up his return to full fitness as he featured in midfield. The 28-year-old has been absent since mid-August due to a foot issue.

None of the trio will be involved in Thursday’s Europa League match against Braga, however, with Rangers facing an injury crisis for the game against the Portuguese.

Imrie set to join Raith

Raith Rovers are closing in on the appointment of Morton boss Dougie Imrie as their new manager.

The Stark’s Park side have identified Imrie as the man they want to replace Barry Robson, who was sacked earlier this month. Talks are expected to progress swiftly and the 42-year-old could be in charge for Saturday’s Scottish Cup clash with Alloa Athletic.

Defender Paul Hanlon has been in interim charge since Robson’s departure and would move back into a purely playing role, with Andy Millen also expected to move east as Imrie’s assistant.

Morton technical director Billy Davies could step in on an interim basis at Cappielow until a permanent replacement for Imrie is found.