Scottish Football Podcast

Andy Burke, Scott Allan and Ewan Murray look back at Thursday night's Euro ties featuring Hearts and Celtic and look ahead to the weekend's SPFL fixtures.It’s top versus bottom as Celtic take on Hibs, can Hearts get back to challenging the Glasgow sides or will Dundee leapfrog them into third place?

Martin O’Neill’s side welcome La Liga’s Celta Vigo in the Europa League, while assistant manager Shaun Maloney says it is "close to" a must-win game. How much is riding on this one for Celtic? How important is it to keep the momentum going after their 7-1 demolition of Hearts?

Have they found the best possible attacking front three in Camilo Duran, Callum Osmand and Haissem Hassan? And after the high of Sunday, could the potential drop in atmosphere due to fan boycotts have an adverse impact on the players?

What impact could the SPFL rights tender have on fans? Will it mean watching your own team is easier, or should we temper any expectations of wholesale change?

00:02:00 — Tribute to Georgi Nemsadze 00:03:10 — Why Celtic must beat Celta Vigo 00:05:05 — Team selection and defensive concerns 00:08:35 — Green Brigade boycott and Celtic Park atmosphere 00:12:50 — SPFL TV rights tender explained 00:19:35 — Will more live games help Scottish football?

After their Celtic Park humbling, are Hearts ready to take on Mo Salah’s Trabzonspor in the Conference League - will it be an even tougher test for Wouter Vrancken’s side?

Is it time to rethink their risk-reward style of football - or should they stick to their organised chaos approach? And just how worrying is their away form this year?

Elsewhere in the capital, why has there not been a new manager bounce for Marink Reedijk? Are issues off the park turning things too toxic at Hibs for there to be any success? Is their lacklustre recruitment the driving force behind the downturn in results?

Is it time to be worried about a relegation fight?

With David Currie, Mark Atkinson, and Rory Loy.

Could Partick Thistle move to the top of the Championship, and how much controversy surrounds the penalty decision everyone is talking about?

Andy Burke is joined by Ryan Flynn and Craig Telfer to assess a dramatic week in Scotland's lower leagues. They discuss whether Dunfermline can kickstart their season, ask if Stenhousemuir can stay in the title race, and examine Ayr United's frustrations after two costly refereeing decisions.

Plus, Ross County hammer Queen of the South 7-1 to continue their remarkable League 1 charge, while Stranraer and Clyde emerge as the early frontrunners in an increasingly intriguing League 2 campaign.

Celtic produced their most emphatic display of the season with a stunning 7-1 win over Hearts. Jane Lewis is joined by Alison McConnell and Cillian Sheridan to assess a ruthless Parkhead performance, discuss where it leaves Kasper Høgh in the striking pecking order, and look ahead to a crucial European test.

Elsewhere, Rangers drop points at Dundee after surrendering a winning position. Was it simply a blip or a warning sign? Plus, praise for Dundee's impressive rise under Steven Pressley, concern for bottom-of-the-table Hibs, and the significance of Falkirk, Aberdeen and St Johnstone's weekend results.

2:11 — Celtic run riot against Hearts 5:07 — Kasper Høgh's place in Celtic's attack 8:37 — How Hearts respond after the 7-1 defeat 10:30 — Rangers frustrated at Dundee 14:01 — Dundee's impressive rise under Steven Pressley 16:21 — Hibs hit rock bottom as pressure builds

Will Celtic and Hearts be suffering from a European hangover ahead of their weekend match-up? How will Steven Pressley's Dundee lineup against Rangers on Saturday night? Can they beat the Glasgow giants at home for the first time in almost a decade, or will Derek McInnes' side go back top of the table? Plus there's a Tayside derby between St Johnstone and Dundee Utd and can Killie catch Motherwell at the bottom of the table? Craig Telfer presents with Conor Sammon and Scott Allan.

Can Celtic produce a result in Lisbon that changes the mood around the club? Craig Telfer is joined by former Hearts defender Ryan McGowan to preview a huge night of European football. The pair discuss the ongoing debate surrounding Celtic's direction, Martin O'Neill's position, and whether a positive result against Benfica could ease tensions around Parkhead. They also assess Celtic's tactical options, the form of Kasper Høgh and the challenge posed by one of Portugal's strongest sides. Attention then turns to Tynecastle, where Hearts begin their Conference League campaign against Danish outfit Nordsjælland. Ryan explains why the visitors may be tougher opponents than many expect, discusses Hearts' impressive progress under Wouter Vrancken, and reflects on the unique atmosphere European nights can generate in Gorgie.

00:00 Can Celtic Change the Conversation?

01:26 Has Celtic's Motherwell Win Eased the Pressure?

03:08 What's Driving Fan Frustration at Parkhead?

06:35 Does Martin O'Neill Share the Blame?

09:29 Benfica v Celtic Preview

11:33 How Can Celtic Get a Result in Lisbon?

14:09 Score Prediction: Benfica v Celtic

14:31 Why Nordsjælland Are More Dangerous Than You Think

16:55 Hearts' Impressive Rise Under Vrancken

19:42 The Magic of European Nights at Tynecastle

22:51 Score Prediction: Hearts v Nordsjælland

How do you build a successful football club around youth development? Ahead of Hearts' Conference League match with the Danish side on Thursday. Thomas Duncan sits down with FC Nordsjælland sporting director Alexander Riget to discuss the philosophy that has transformed the Danish club into one of Europe's leading talent factories. Riget explains the origins of the Right to Dream model, the club's commitment to giving opportunities to young players, and why investing heavily in academy development has become both a footballing strategy and a sustainable business model. The conversation explores recruitment in Scandinavia and Africa, the challenges of balancing player development with winning matches, and whether clubs in Scotland can replicate elements of Nordsjælland's success.

The SPFL's lower leagues are beginning to take shape, but there is still plenty left to play for. David Currie is joined by Arbroath midfielder Ryan Flynn and Livingston defender Cammy Kerr to analyse Stenhousemuir's first league defeat of the season and preview a crucial Championship clash with Raith Rovers. The panel also discusses Dunfermline's frustrating start, Livingston's struggles for consistency and whether Partick Thistle can capitalise on the leaders meeting this weekend. In League One, Ross County and Hamilton Academical continue to set the pace, while East Kilbride look to stay in touch. Plus, there's a look at an increasingly competitive League Two title race, Stirling Albion's revival under Stephen Whittaker and the clubs battling to pull away from trouble at the bottom.

02:28 Morton's Win and Livingston's Slow Start

03:09 Queen's Park Surprise Inverness

05:15 Stenhousemuir's First League Defeat

08:48 The Championship's Crowded Middle Pack

09:22 Are Dunfermline Better Than Their Results?

11:41 Ayr United v Partick Thistle Preview

12:58 Ross County and Hamilton Set the Pace

15:06 Can East Kilbride Stay in Touch?

17:47 Is League One Splitting Into Two Groups?

19:37 League Two: A Four-Team Title Race?

20:47 Stranraer's Statement Victory

22:22 Stirling Albion's Revival Under Stephen Whittaker

23:38 Who Should Be Worried at the Bottom?

Hearts have emerged as one of the Premiership's early success stories, while city rivals Hibs continue their search for consistency under new manager Marink Reedijk. Andy Burke is joined by Hibs Women's boss Joelle Murray and Scotsman sports editor Mark Atkinson to assess the contrasting fortunes of Edinburgh's two biggest clubs, the impact of Hearts' ambitious recruitment strategy and the challenges facing Easter Road. The panel also examines mounting pressure on Steven Robinson at Aberdeen, asks why St Mirren's promising start has stalled, and looks ahead to a huge night for Scotland Women as they defend a two-goal advantage against the Czech Republic in World Cup qualifying.

01:20 Are Hearts Better Than Last Season?

03:47 Why Tynecastle Is a Fortress Again

05:48 Could Hearts Join the Title Race?

06:53 The Jamestown Effect

09:13 What Will Marink Reedijk Change at Hibs?

11:03 The Patience Question at Easter Road

13:46 Why Hibs Fans Are Frustrated

15:36 Can Stephen Robinson Turn Aberdeen Around?

18:04 Expectation and Reality at Pittodrie

20:20 Has St Mirren's Strong Start Unravelled?

22:14 Scotland Women Take Control

24:30 Protect the Lead or Go for More?

25:49 One Step Away From a Sweden Showdown

2Long A much-needed response arrived for Celtic after the international break, with a dominant performance against Motherwell helping calm nerves around Parkhead. Stevie Miller is joined by Cillian Sheridan and Rory Loy to discuss what changed, whether Jota's return can spark another attacking surge and why Motherwell's recent form is becoming a concern. The episode also examines Rangers' continued momentum under Derek McInnes, the emergence of Ryan Naderi as a key figure in attack, Hearts' emphatic victory over St Mirren and Aberdeen's continued search for consistency. Plus, there is discussion around Hibs, Dundee United and the growing battle developing across the Premiership table.

02:09 Celtic Back to Winning Ways

04:45 The Questions Still Facing Celtic

06:01 Motherwell's Losing Run Continues

08:00 Aberdeen's Consistency Problem

09:31 Josh Fowler Delivers Again for St Johnstone

10:53 Rangers Continue Their Winning Streak

13:31 Ryan Naderi's Rich Vein of Form

17:03 Hearts Keep Pace at the Top

19:38 St Mirren's Defensive Concerns

20:43 Hibs Still Searching for Answers

22:20 Lyall Cameron Shines for Dundee United

23:49 Falkirk Left Rueing Late Heartbreak

Can Rangers extend their impressive run and pile the pressure on Celtic by moving to the top of the Premiership? Martin Dowden, Ewan Murray and Scott Allan assess why Derek McInnes' side have turned their season around and what to expect against Kilmarnock.

There's also a first look at Marink Reedijk's Hibernian as he takes charge at Dundee United. Can a new manager spark an instant revival at Easter Road? And with Celtic travelling to Motherwell after a difficult spell, is this a must-win match for Martin O'Neill's side?

Plus discussion on Hearts, Dundee's injury problems, Aberdeen's progress and the key fixtures across the Scottish Premiership weekend.

00:01:58 — Was the international break too long?

00:04:17 — Rangers' chance to go top against Kilmarnock

00:07:44 — What's behind Rangers' resurgence?

00:10:45 — Marink Reedijk first game as Hibs boss

00:15:04 — Hearts v St Mirren: a crucial run begins

00:17:47 — Falkirk v Dundee

00:19:11 — Celtic's trip to Motherwell

00:20:31 — Can Jota spark a Celtic revival?

00:23:58 — Aberdeen v St Johnstone

00:25:16 — Could St Johnstone cause an upset?

With the international break over, which clubs are best placed to seize the initiative in the Premiership? Can Martin O’Neill steady Celtic amid supporter unrest, mounting pressure and a demanding European schedule? And will Rangers benefit from having no continental distractions as Derek McInnes attempts to build a title challenge?

Andy Burke is joined by Ryan Flynn and Alison McConnell to assess Dundee’s injury problems, the new era at Hibs, Aberdeen’s improving form and Motherwell’s difficult run.

Plus, can Scotland's women overcome Czechia and move closer to the Women’s World Cup in Brazil?

00:02:05 — Can Celtic calm the growing turmoil? 00:05:20 — Rangers’ schedule advantage 00:07:54 — Can Rangers pile on the pressure? 00:10:13 — Dundee’s injury crisis 00:12:03 — Can Saints stay in the top six? 00:14:07 — A new era begins at Hibs 00:15:42 — Aberdeen turn the corner 00:17:34 — Can Motherwell expose Celtic? 00:19:40 — Time to worry for Falkirk and Kilmarnock? 00:22:20 — Scotland women’s World Cup test

What should we make of Scotland's slump to defeat against Slovenia at Hampden? Four games into Pocognoli's time in charge, how clear is his project, and is the back three the right fit for the players he has? With second place in the Nations League group now looking a long way off, is it time to go back to the drawing board?

Martin Dowden, Steven McGowan and Cammy Bell look at a flat night at Hampden. Scotland took the lead but deserved to lose. The panel looks at a press that never worked as one unit, a high line that kept getting broken by a single ball over the top, and centre-backs Stephen Welsh, Jack Hendry and Binks being left exposed one-on-one. They also discuss three formation changes in one game, Andy Robertson asking the touchline what to do, and whether Slovenia had studied Scotland's last few games. Plus, is a 4-2-3-1 the answer, and is Steve Clarke now looking a little better in hindsight?

Plus, should Kieran Bowie have started after scoring against North Macedonia? Has Ollie McBurnie's run without a goal gone on too long? How can Scotland get the best out of Ben Gannon-Doak while he isn't playing at Bournemouth? Is the criticism of Angus Gunn fair, or does the trouble start well before the ball reaches him? Do Josh McPake, James Wilson and the under-21s give Scotland real depth?

And with Martin O'Neill committing to stay as Celtic manager, can he get through Motherwell, Benfica, Hearts and Celta Vigo with his critics quiet?

Scotland return to Hampden looking to build on an encouraging win over North Macedonia, but what have we learned from Sebastian Pocognoli's first few games in charge?

John Walker, Michael Grant and Andy Burke assess the new manager's high-pressing approach, the growing influence of players like Ben Gannon-Doak and Kieron Bowie, and whether Scotland are beginning to find a new identity.

Is Pocognoli close to settling on his best XI? Could the striker battle be one of the most intriguing selection debates in the squad? And what threat do Slovenia pose as the sides meet again after a goalless draw in Ljubljana?

00:02:06 — Taking stock of the Pocognoli era 00:08:28 — Is Scotland's best XI starting to emerge? 00:10:39 — Bowie, McBurnie and the striker debate 00:14:06 — Slovenia preview and the key threats 00:17:43 — Hampden, momentum and fan buy-in 00:22:09 — What would seven points from four games mean?

Scotland have their first win under Sebastian Pocognoli, but what did the performance really tell us about the future direction of the national team? Is a clear tactical identity beginning to emerge, and can Scotland become more attacking while keeping their defensive solidity?

Charlotte Cohen, Rory Loy and Craig Telfer assess the growing partnership up front, discuss whether Scotland should have scored more goals, and look ahead to the challenge of Slovenia.

There’s also a closer look at Andy Robertson after his 100th cap, debate over John McGinn’s role and form, and the big question of where Scott McTominay fits into this evolving Scotland side?

00:02:33 — Is the Pocognoli blueprint emerging? 00:04:51 — Scotland’s finishing problem or a good sign? 00:09:39 — Robertson at 100: where does he rank? 00:14:34 — Can John McGinn rediscover his best form? 00:16:31 — The McTominay selection dilemma 00:19:04 — Are Scotland fans buying into the new approach?

After a difficult start to the Nations League campaign, can Scotland finally find the goals and points they desperately need in North Macedonia? Martin Dowden is joined by Scott Allan and Joelle Murray to assess the pressure facing Sebastian Pocognoli, the defensive issues exposed against Switzerland and whether patience is already running thin.

With Andy Robertson on the brink of a century of caps, what does his leadership mean to this evolving Scotland side?

Plus, discussion on Ian Murray's departure from Morton, Cove Rangers' transfer penalty, Ayr United's need for results, and a look ahead to Sunday's Edinburgh Derby in the SWPL.

00:01:47 — Martin Boyle's Testimonial Tribute

00:03:43 — Scotland's Must-Win Trip to Macedonia

00:07:09 — Defensive Concerns Under Pocognoli

00:13:19 — Morton's Managerial Change Examined

00:18:23 — Cove Rangers Hit by Transfer Penalty

00:19:43 — Edinburgh Derby and the SWPL Title Race

Scotland's defeat to Switzerland leaves plenty of questions for Sebastian Pocognoli and his players. Was Angus Gunn unfairly criticised, are defensive issues becoming a bigger concern, and can the goals start flowing again?

Andy Burke, Mark Atkinson and Cammy Bell assess the challenges facing Scotland ahead of crucial matches against North Macedonia and beyond. They also examine the continued silence from Celtic over Martin O'Neill's future and ask whether the international break has given everyone at Celtic Park the chance to reset.

Plus, who are the Premiership's biggest overachievers and underachievers so far, and which players have made the strongest start to the season?

00:02:00 — Scotland's goalkeeping debate

00:06:37 — Defensive concerns under Pochegnoli

00:10:33 — Where will Scotland's goals come from?

00:14:21 — Celtic's silence over Martin O'Neill

00:20:46 — Premiership overachievers and underachievers

00:23:29 — Standout players and dressing-room intrigue

Scotland's honeymoon period under Sebastian Pocognoli has hit its first bump after a 3-0 defeat to Switzerland at Hampden. How much damage did Jack Hendry's early red card do, and should the result be judged in that context?

David Currie, Rory Loy and Stephen McGowan assess whether Scotland's problems are deeper than one difficult night, with concerns over goals, clean sheets and key players finding form?

Do we need to talk about John McGinn? and has the North Macedonia game now become a MUST win?

00:02:33 — Red card turns Hampden sour

00:04:08 — No goals, no wins and familiar frustrations

00:08:14 — Oli McBurnie emerges as a bright spot

00:10:02 — We need to talk about John McGinn

00:14:48 — Is Pocognoli going to get the time he needs?

00:21:40 — North Macedonia: opportunity or necessity?

Sebastian Pocognoli gets his first home game as Scotland head coach, but can his side rise to the challenge against a talented Switzerland team? David Currie is joined by Swiss football enthusiast Paddy Gunn and analyst John Walker to assess the threat posed by the visitors and examine where Scotland might find an edge.

Is pressing high the key? Should Oli McBurnie lead the line? How important could Billy Gilmour be in unlocking the Swiss midfield? And with Hampden set for a big occasion, can Scotland produce a result against one of Europe's most consistent international sides?

00:03:03 — Why Switzerland Are Taking Scotland Seriously

00:05:15 — Just How Good Are the Swiss?

00:09:09 — Scotland's Tactical Plan Explained

00:12:16 — Does McBurnie Have to Start?

00:15:56 — Life Without Granit Xhaka

00:25:09 — Predictions for Hampden