Football Talk: The case for Levein, Rangers didn't need EBTs, Dzeko magic

Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here we are, stuck in the middle but don't worry we're only two points off the top.SNS Group

Where do we start with Scotland's performance against Macedonia?

The 1-1 result, the second successive home draw, makes it an uphill struggle to reach the 2014 World Cup with Belgium, Croatia and Wales still to take on Craig Levein's side.

The overwhelming feeling is that the manager is on borrowed time, after again failing to turn the game in Scotland's favour after a dismal first half showing.

No sooner has the international break finished as we start the build-up to club football again and there's news from Celtic, Kilmarnock, Ross County and Rangers.

In the wider world of football, where all hope is not lost, there's a bit of defender-flattening magic from Edin Dzeko, superstitions and the truth about Hillsborough.

TOP STORIES

Don’t panic: Craig Levein says it’s too early to write off World Cup hopes

The Scotland boss remains positive despite two home draws in the opening World Cup qualifiers.

Allan McGregor believes a poor start set scene for a bad night at Hampden

The goalkeeper won the man of the match award after repelling Macedonia.

Alastair Johnston: EBT tax scheme use is not the same as financial doping

The ex-chairman insists David Murray could have recruited the same players without the use of offshore trusts.

SPL clubs and Rangers receive slice of €100m UEFA Euro 2012 payout

A total of £907,408 will be paid to teams for releasing players for their national team.

Gordon Strachan: If you want to beat Barcelona, you just have to pray

Celtic will take on the Catalan giants in the Champions League this season and Strachan reckons they may require divine intervention. (Daily Record)

Hibs left me out in the cold, says Ross County keeper Mark Brown

Former Rangers, Celtic, Motherwell and Inverness keeper was axed almost two months after first being invited to stay at Easter Road. (Daily Record)

Cillian Sheridan: I'd rather play for Kenny Shiels than against his side

The new signing was impressed by Kilmarnock's passing when he played them last season on loan to St Johnstone. (Herald Sport)

Five year deals for Rangers trio

Teenagers Lewis MacLeod, Barrie McKay and Robbie Crawford have all penned deals to keep them at Ibrox. (Scottish Sun)

Sports law expert says Charles Green can't stop SPL from stripping Rangers of titles

The expert says the Ibrox chief executive will struggle to mount a legal fightback if faced with being stripped of trophies. (Daily Record)

THE CASE FOR LEVEIN

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THE CASE AGAINST LEVEIN

Levein, doomed manager in doomed cause

Craig Levein cannot have long left in the Scotland job. Not at this rate of gruesome progress, and with the Tartan Army jeers ringing in his ears. (Graham Spiers, Herald Sport)

Game's up for Levein the loser

It is now a matter of time before Scotland boss is axed. (John Greechan, Daily Mail)

Even the PA bloke had a pop at Levein

Two junctions along the Road To Rio, it looks like he’s lost the nation. (Bill Leckie, The Sun)

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Hillsborough: Police did doctor evidence in bid to avoid blame

"A detailed picture of how the evidence of junior police officers present at the Hillsborough football disaster was systematically distorted". (The Indepedent)

Justified ancients of Juju: African football and its suspicions

Superstitions are not uncommon in sport, and football and its players are no exception to this rule. (World Soccer)

UEFA's bloated World Cup qualifying system looks totally bonkers

It is time to copy other confederations and stage pre-qualifying rounds to reduce the fixture overload on Europe's top teams. (Amy Lawrence, Guardian Sport)

Should Neymar stay in Brazil?

FootballSpeak.com looks at whether the 20-year-old should head to Europe later rather than sooner.

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