Hearts and Hibs international round-up as Cristiano Ronaldo throws a tantrum and Jambo handed Scotland backing

Scotland are focused on their World Cup dreams but those extend outside the Tartan Army for some Hearts and Hibs stars.

The Jambos sit first in the Premiership during November’s international break, and Hibs aren’t too far behind in third. Steve Clarke’s Scotland are in action against Greece and Denmark, in which they will look to avoid the dreaded play-offs, and seal automatic passage to America, Canada and Mexico next year via the groups.

Stars at both clubs have been rewarded for form with call-ups for their respective nations. Here’s a look at some of the talking points surrounding a clutch of them with games beginning to kick off.

Jamie McGrath (Hibs)

Hibs midfielder Jamie McGrath and ex-Hearts defender Jimmy Dunne have savoured a memorable Republic of Ireland win against Portugal, a 2-0 success at home in World Cup qualifying. Troy Parrot’s double sealed three points and kept hopes of making the major tournament alive ahead of a clash with Hungary.

Scotland fans were witnesses to a CR7 tantrum last year after the Portuguese superstar strutted off in a huff after a goalless draw in the Nations League at Hampden. Fans in Dublin got a similar glimpse after he was shown a straight red card after an hour, his first in 226 games for his country.

He lashed out at Dara O'Shea in the Irish penalty area and then made a cry baby gesture, having said pre-match he’d try to be a "good boy to stop the home fans booing him". McGrath was a late call into the squad but was an unused substitute, while ex-Jambos loanee Dunne came off the bench to help clinch victory.

Junior Hoilett and Rocky Bushiri (Hibs)

Veteran playmaker Junior Hoilett was handed another chance to impress for Canada in their friendly stalemate with Ecuador. One of the three World Cup hosts are assessing their squad options and Hoilett will hope his Hibs form is enough to keep him in contention.

Rocky Bushiri meanwhile is on duty with DR Congo, who defeated Cameroon 1-0. He was an unused sub.

Craig Gordon (Hearts)

Dundee boss and former Hearts captain Steven Pressley reckons Craig Gordon can be a stabilising force for Scotland. While not playing for the Jambos this season amid injury and now the form of Alexander Schwolow, the veteran looks set to start for Scotland in two crucial games. Pressley reckons Gordon has the experience to see him through.

He said: “Craig has so much experience. Sometimes when you're selecting a squad, whether he plays or not, the support being there for the younger goalies is also pivotal. You need these types of players within the group that have been over the course. So I understand why Craig is there.

"You need stabilisers like him. You need those players with experience and understanding that can pass on that experience to the younger goalkeepers. Will he play? I don't know enough about how he’s been training. I’m sure that Steve Clarke will make the decision based on what he sees."