Jordan Holsgrove remains determined to earn a Scotland place, with recent communication taking place between the 27-year-old Estoril midfielder and the national team set-up. According to BBC Sport, the Portugal-based player continues to pursue his international ambitions despite playing for a struggling club.
Hibernian manager Marink Reedijk is preparing for an emotional reunion with his former Beveren goalkeeper Beau Reus in Sunday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Hearts at Hampden, though he has vowed to show no mercy on the pitch. The pair were part of SK Beveren's unbeaten Belgian second-tier title-winning campaign last season, where Reus was the team's goalkeeper.
Holsgrove has represented Scotland from under-17 through under-21 level and made his La Liga debut with Celta Vigo. Scottish FA Head of Talent ID Robert Doherty contacted Holsgrove a few weeks before the first international break, encouraging him to keep performing at his best. The midfielder's determination to break into the senior squad comes as Estoril struggle in Portugal's top flight, having taken just two points from their opening nine league matches.
Reedijk's Hibernian side showed signs of improvement after drawing 1–1 with St Mirren on October 28, earning their first point under the new manager and moving off the foot of the Premiership table. Marko Ivezic scored in the 77th minute before Jason Kerr's own goal equalised six minutes later. That result provides some momentum heading into the semi-final clash with Hearts.
What lies ahead for the semi-final?
Reedijk has insisted he will "love him a bit less" when facing Reus during the Hampden encounter, acknowledging the competitive nature of cup football while maintaining his respect for the goalkeeper. The manager's bond with Reus, forged during their successful campaign in Belgium, will be tested in what promises to be an intense Scottish cup tie.
St Johnstone midfielder Josh Campbell is continuing to build his fitness after a period of illness, having netted his first goal for the club as a substitute in Wednesday's draw with Motherwell. The midfielder is gradually getting up to speed following his recovery.
Falkirk midfielder Ben Krauhaus has stressed that a top-six finish "has to be the goal" for the club, with John McGlynn's side having won three matches in a row, including Krauhaus's strike away to Aberdeen. The Falkirk Herald reports the team is building momentum in their pursuit of a strong league position.
Aberdeen face a challenging Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers on Saturday, with club legend Joe Harper backing the team to "fight with all they've got" despite recent struggles with confidence. Harper has highlighted "experienced campaigner" Nicky Devlin as a key figure who could handle the occasion if the 33-year-old is required to start at Hampden.
Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has revealed his club were examining the possibility of signing New Zealand midfielder Elijah Just before the player moved from Motherwell to Swansea City during the summer transfer window. The move to Wales ultimately proved more attractive to the midfielder.
Key Facts
- Holsgrove has maintained contact with the Scottish national team set-up despite playing for Estoril in Portugal's Primeira Liga
- Reedijk and Reus won the Belgian second-tier title together at SK Beveren last season before both moving to Scottish football
- Hibernian drew 1–1 with St Mirren on October 28, earning their first point under Reedijk and moving away from the bottom of the Premiership table
- The Premier Sports Cup semi-final between Hibernian and Hearts is scheduled for Sunday, November 1 at Hampden Park
