BEVERIDGE LANDS SCOTLAND GIG

Australian Rob Beveridge has been put in charge of Scotland’s Commonwealth Games campaign, a fortnight after the shock sacking of Tony Garbelotto.

With just three weeks until the team arrive in Gold Coast, the ex-Australia Under-20 head coach – who is currently at the helm of NBL side Illawarra Hawks – landed the job ahead of a list of candidates that also included former GB Under-20 chief Doug Leichner and Garbelotto’s replacement at GB, Alberto Lorenzo.

Beveridge – whose father hails from Glasgow – will have to watch from afar as assistant Craig Nicol takes the reigns for Sunday’s Scotland friendly against Glasgow Rocks at the Emirates Arena which serves as the curtain raiser for the BBL Trophy final between Sheffield Sharks and Leicester Riders.

But his experience as the ex-coach of Aussie League outfit Perth Wildcats and Chinese giants Shanghai Sharks makes his capture a coup.

“With having Scottish blood in the veins, it is an absolute privilege and honour to be given the opportunity to lead Scotland at the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“This is something that I do not take lightly and I will be working as hard as possible with the players and staff to do our best to bring back a medal from the Commonwealth Games.

“I am hoping to visit my Scottish family in the next couple of weeks and hopefully this will allow me to meet some of the players and support staff too. I am really looking forward to meeting the players and other support staff as we embark on this exciting journey together.”

England’s squad announcement has been delayed until next Thursday but it is set to include a hefty contingent from leaders Leicester in Andy Thomson and Shane Walker, as well as Drew Lasker and Darius Defoe from Newcastle.

Adam Thoseby, currently playing for Sydney Kings, will also likely get the nod with Jamell Anderson returning from overseas to play.

Kofi Josephs, Daniel Edozie, Mike Tuck, Joe Ikhimwin, Callum Jones and Orlan Jackman are the probable remaining members of the 12-man squad which will take on Scotland in their opening group game in Townsville.