
McKenna explains how Croatian legend sold him on Zagreb move
"I hope I play well and that Scotland will be proud of me.
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"A lot of Croatian players have played in Scotland in recent years, but obviously no one before me has gone the other way.
"I'm happy to be here. This is a huge club and I'm grateful for the opportunity they've given me. I'm looking forward to playing here for a few years.
"First, my agent called me about the interest from Dinamo and then I spoke to Zvonimir Boban.
"The great thing was that the conversation wasn't just about football, the whole family got involved. He even spoke to my girlfriend. We all felt welcome even before I officially arrived. It wasn't a difficult decision. I know they are a huge club because of everything they have done in European competitions. Growing up, I heard about them because they were always competitive in Europe. When I got the call, I didn't hesitate.
"Dinamo gives me the opportunity to play in Europe and win trophies and I really liked that. They have been very successful for many years and I want to be a part of it."

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Daily Record
15 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Plucky Greek journo's Rangers question to Russell Martin shows Panathinaikos devastation - and Ibrox fans must get real
Seriously, the criticism of him and his team's performance has been ridiculously over the top writes our man who was in Athens Only one plucky Greek journalist managed to muster a question at Russell Martin's post-match press conference in Athens. The rest were probably hurting too much. The guy was gutted, having just watched Panathinaikos get dumped out of Europe by Rangers in their own backyard. When he addressed Martin on the podium, the pain was etched on his face. He asked the Rangers manager if he felt his side had all the luck in their Champions League qualifying tie. And if he didn't, could he pinpoint a single aspect of the game where the Scottish team were better than Rui Vitoria's beaten side. At one point, you wondered if there might be tears. OK, I'm over-egging it. But the point I'm trying to illustrate is just how devastated the Greeks were by the 3-1 aggregate result. Yet in the aftermath of Rangers' victory, judging by some of the reaction, Martin and his players should somehow feel guilty about their Champions League progression. Seriously, the criticism of him and his team's performance has been ridiculously over the top. Even Record Sport's own Keith Jackson, was scathing in his assessment. On the way home from Greece, Rangers fans at the airport seemed deflated, rather than elated. Football's changed eh? Remember the days when it was all about winning? Now, if your team's display is not aesthetically pleasing, for some the result is almost irrelevant. It's madness. Martin has worked with this group of players for a matter of weeks. A hotchpotch squad of some guys riddled by failure for years, others who want out, some who aren't good enough - and a few prized assets the manager will hope to build upon. He's then added a raft of new signings to the mix, a couple of whom aren't even fully fit yet. On top of that, he's been 100 percent clear that he's bringing a completely new way of playing that will take time to implement. Remember, for Rangers this isn't just a tweak or tinker job in terms of style. It's a seismic, cultural change not seen at Ibrox in years. So, after 57 days in the job, what exactly were supporters and pundits expecting from Martin and this team? Free-flowing phases of play and attacking football from the off? Get real. When the draw for the Champions League qualifiers was made, Panathinaikos was the nightmare pairing for Rangers - the toughest possible opponent at this stage. Most outsiders felt it would be a tall order to go through. Instead, they've scored three outstanding goals over two legs to win 3-1 and secure a guaranteed Europa League group spot again. But Martin's getting flak? Would supporters or critics rather be in the shoes of that Greek journalist or the Panathinaikos fans after Wednesday night? Absolutely delighted with how they played, creating loads of chances - but out of Europe altogether before August? Didn't think so. So why the negativity? Martin's squad is still a million miles away from being Champions League ready. He'll want at least another four players in before the transfer window closes, with a few going out as well. But right now, he's had to navigate a hugely difficult European tie with the cards he's been dealt. And he hasn't done too bad a job. Of course, there were scares at Ibrox and in the Olympic Stadium. Aye, Jack Butland had to pull off a few good saves in the tie. But that's what he's there for. Rangers were under the cosh for 45 minutes in Greece and had to dig in. But with Panathinaikos two goals behind, at their own ground, with 40,000 fanatics demanding they go for Rangers' throats - did anyone seriously expect anything else? Martin's team could obviously have been better on the ball but it's still early days. There WERE glimpses of what he wants from this team and how he expects it to look. But he's still well short of quality in the final third of the pitch. I've read accusations of Rangers being 'wide open'. So what does that make Panathinaikos, who shipped three goals in the tie? The key thing about Wednesday night - which is a really important sign of what the players think of their new gaffer - is the shift they put in for him in testing conditions. They didn't wilt. Instead, they grafted their a***s off for Martin and his staff. That tells me they've bought into him, which is vital. When Ange Postecoglou arrived at Celtic in the summer of 2022, he also vowed to transform the Hoops' playing style. Early on, just like Martin, he was thrown into a tricky European qualifier against FC Midtjylland - and came a cropper. Celtic were beaten by the competent Danes but excuses were made for their new Aussie gaffer. That's despite the fact he deployed a multi-million pound forward line in the two games, consisting of Liel Abada, Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie. All of whom are considerably better than Martin's attacking trio - Kieran Dowell, Danilo and Findlay Curtis - against the Greeks. Postecoglou also lost his opening league game at Tynecastle against Hearts when, while trying to get his team playing out from the back, the likes of new Swedish defender Carl Starfelt was all over the place. Again, it was seen as a work in progress. There were signs it was coming together but defeats to Rangers at Ibrox and Livingston in West Lothian suggested his style wouldn't work away from home. Their Old Firm rivals were apparently certs for the title. We all know what happened next. Before too long, Postecoglou's side were sweeping aside all before them and hoovering up trophies. Martin has a long way to go - with a mountain of work ahead of him - to get to that stage. But he knows that. And he knows it'll take time, as well as more quality players. If he gets found out at Fir Park on Saturday and loses his Premiership opener to Motherwell? Or if there are early slip-ups in the league that leave them trailing Celtic? There will be a queue of people lining up to have a pop - and I'll be in it. Because unlike in Europe, domestically Martin HAS to get results even amidst a period of transition. If it goes haywire on that score, of course he'll deserve flak. But after an emphatic Champions League victory over Panathinaikos this early in his Ibrox reign? That's grossly unfair.


Scottish Sun
15 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Andy Murray lands shock new business deal as tennis legend takes on new role after splitting from Novak Djokovic
It is not the only Scottish firm he has partnered with GOOD SPUDDIES Andy Murray lands shock new business deal as tennis legend takes on new role after splitting from Novak Djokovic Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SIR ANDY MURRAY has landed a shock new business deal with a POTATO company. The tennis legend has taken on a new role at the Scottish spud company Albert Bartlett. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Sir Andy Murray will be working with the potato brand Albert Bartlett 2 He will be the face of the company's adverts Credit: Getty Murray, 38, will be the new face of the brand after signing a long-term partnership to market its products. It comes after his split from coaching Novak Djokovic in May, just weeks before Wimbledon. Albert Bartlett is based in Airdrie in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Murray is believed to have familiarised himself with their potatoes more than ten years ago. READ MORE ON SPORT 'full-circle moment' Bouchard breaks down in tears as Wimbledon finalist officially retires The brand is also a long-term supplier for the five-star Cromlix hotel owned by Murray near Dunblane. Albert Bartlett is family-owned and was founded back in 1948. A statement over the partnership said it brings "two Scottish-born British icons with shared community vision and family values [together].' Murray will be "encouraging the nation to enjoy a healthy lifestyle through sport and a balanced diet'. SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN He will be promoting both the frozen and chilled potato product ranges. Murray said: "I was lucky during my early playing days to have access to the kit and facilities required to play and develop, and as my career progressed, to have the best diet and training advice available. Carlos Alcaraz makes it through to Wimbledon second week then throws down huge challenge to Sir Andy Murray "I am excited to partner with Albert Bartlett to showcase the importance of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle to communities across the UK. "I hope the project inspires people to play and enjoy sport throughout their lives, at whatever level they are able. Chief executive Alex Bartlett added: 'Andy is someone who has engaged and inspired his home nation and sports fans around the world, delivering that long-awaited British [male] Wimbledon win, not only once, but twice. "Along with his US Open win and two Olympic golds. 'So, who better to engage the nation again and help us serve up the inspiration and resource required to get the nation active and nourished with tasty home-grown produce?' It is not the first Scottish brand Murray has teamed up with. Last month, he became the inaugural brand ambassador of the iconic Walker's Shortbread.


Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
What are the latest Scottish Premiership 2025/26 Top 6 odds?
The bookies have priced up who they think will be in the mix in the top six and others who will definitely finish in the top half of the Scottish Premiership this season With four European spots up for grabs through the Scottish Premiership, the bookies have made their early markers as to who will be in the mix after releasing their top 6 odds markets before the season starts. With the Old Firm set for a title race, it is not a surprise to see the two sides have incredibly low odds as to whether they finish in the top six or not. Scotland has four European spots up for grabs via the league with Celtic and Rangers in the Champions League qualifiers this season having finished in the top two whereas Hibernian and Dundee United qualify for the Europa League and Europa Conference League qualifiers respectively. Aberdeen, who finished 5th, qualify for the Europa League play-off round this season but this was after winning last season Scottish Cup final. Right now, the bookies have Celtic and Rangers as close to dead certainties as you could ask for at incredible 1/1000 odds as the two sides lock horns once again for the Scottish Premiership title race. There are favourable odds for Hearts, Hibernian and Aberdeen as well to finish in the top six with the former side narrowly missing out last season but will be looking for a stronger season as they begin life with Brighton owner Tony Bloom's investment under their belts. Scottish Premiership Top 6 odds Celtic - 1/1000 Rangers - 1/1000 Hearts - 1/5 Hibernian - 1/4 Aberdeen - 2/5 St Mirren - 5/4 Dundee United - 6/4 Kilmarnock - 2/1 BAR - 4/1 Scottish Premiership Betting Offers If you are on the lookout for the latest free bet offers, then look no further. Here, not only do we bring you numerous free bet offers, but all from the very best betting sites in the industry. Each bookie we recommend is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, so you know you are always betting on a safe and trustworthy site. Check out the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers here. Gamble responsibly Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too. We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit