Naysmith blow for Scots

Everton defender Gary Naysmith is expecting to be out of action for at least another month.

Naysmith underwent an ankle operation over the summer and will miss the start of the new Premiership season.

The full back admits he is still 10 days away from returning to training and is not putting a timescale on his comeback.

His injury is also a blow to Scotland as Naysmith has confirmed he will not be fit for his country's World Cup qualifier with Italy next month.

The 26-year-old, who signed a new three-year contract during the close season, admits he is disappointed that he will be unavailable for Scotland.

"I'm making progress but I won't start training with even the reserves until next week," said Naysmith.

"Unfortunately, it looks like the game against Italy may just come too soon for me.

"If I don't make it, then I will be gutted because everyone knows how big a game the Italy match will be."