Flockhart in at SRU

Rob Flockhart has been ratified as the new president of the Scottish Rugby Union at its annual meeting.

He replaces Edward Crozier, the outgoing president, having previously been voted in as vicepresident in 2015.

Previous presidents have served two oneyear terms. Flockhart becomes the first two-year term appointment. Malta manager Pietro Ghedin admits the country’s hopes of securing a Scottish double are slim.

The Italian was thrilled to see Birkirkara reach the third round of the Europa League after last month's shock aggregate victory over Hearts.

But he concedes that international football is a different kettle of fish. Ghedin yesterday named his 20-man squad for next Wednesday’s friendly in Estonia and the opening Group F World Cup qualifier at home to Scotland on September 4.

Some 17 of those players, including Birkirkara captain Gareth Sciberras, play in the parttime domestic league and former Italy assistant manager Ghedin insists the Europa League result will have no bearing on the game with Gordon Strachan’s side.

Ghedin, who has called on Barnet midfielder Luke Gambin, Boavista forward Andre Schembri and defender Zach Muscat, of Italian outfit Arezzo, said: “These experiences are very important for our players and are very heartening.

“But the national team is another thing. While the clubs’ improvement is beneficial for our players, international football is the highest level.”

The Malta manager added: “In club football, you can use several foreigners but this is not possible at national team level. Nevertheless, I have faith in my players and I believe they will do themselves and the country proud.

“At this moment, I only hope that they are good physically as this is the most important thing for them, their clubs and the national team.”