Scottish Football Podcast

Hearts are the first Scottish club back in competitive European action this season as they travel to Austria to face Sturm Graz in a crucial Champions League qualifier.
How ready are Wouter Vrancken's new-look side after a summer of major change? Can they cope with the loss of key figures and keep their European ambitions on track?
Andy Burke is joined by Ryan McGowan and Mark Atkinson as they focus on the challenge facing the Jambos, discuss the impact of Tony Bloom's long-term vision and run the rule over Hearts' summer recruitment. Plus, a look ahead to tonight's League Cup fixtures across Scotland.

Spain are world champions - but beyond the trophy lift, what lasting changes could this World Cup mean for the SPFL?
Have hydration breaks become football’s version of a tactical timeout? And should Scottish football be looking closely at how referees and VAR have been used on the biggest stage?
Back at home, which Premiership sides have made the strongest early statement in the League Cup? Are Dundee United already putting an early scare behind them? Should Aberdeen fans be encouraged by the signs from their rebuilt squad? And after another nervy afternoon, is there any reason for Kilmarnock supporters to be concerned?
Plus are Celtic supporters right to be frustrated by the lack of transfer activity? Could a summer of inactivity end up becoming the biggest story of the Scottish football season before a ball has even been kicked in the Premiership?

Richard Gordon, Scott Allan and Callum Davidson review the League Cup action, preview the upcoming European fixtures and are joined by Hibs head coach David Gray

Martin O'Neill's former captain Paul Lambert believes the current squad isn't good enough and that the club need to invest significantly in recruitment infrastructure.

A Scotland legend has called time on a remarkable career - but where does Craig Gordon rank among the country's greatest-ever goalkeepers, and who is ready to step into his gloves for the years ahead?
With shock results already appearing in the League Cup, how seriously should Premiership clubs be taking these early-season fixtures - and what does a defeat at this stage really tell us about a team's prospects?
And as Spain prepare to face Argentina in the World Cup final, will individual brilliance prevail, or will the best team win the biggest prize in football? David Currie, Rory Loy and Cammy Kerr have the answers