The Rumour Mill: Monday’s football news and gossip

Published on 27/02/2012 11:30

In today’s Rumour Mill: Celtic keep tabs on Matt Phillips; Ally McCoist will avoid Rangers cutback decisions; Walter Smith reveals ‘guilt’ over Ibrox turmoil; plus the rest of the day’s football news and gossip.

Celtic have been linked with new Scotland recruit Matt Phillips. Parkhead manager Neil Lennon sent first team coach Garry Parker to watch the 20-year-old winger in action for Blackpool in their FA Cup tie against Everton last week. But Celtic could face competition from the Goodison boss David Moyes, who was also impressed by the youngster’s performance. Blackpool boss Ian Holloway rates Phillips even higher than Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who cost the Gunners £15million. (Express)

• Celtic midfielder Beram Kayal looks set to play a part in the side’s treble push after the Israeli national boss revealed the player is on the road to recovery. (Record)

Rangers manager Ally McCoist will not be involved in deciding which of his players are made redundant this week. While prepared to assist the administrators in dealing with the outcome of their decision, McCoist made it clear he is not prepared to offer any recommendations of which players should stay or go. (Scotsman)

• McCoist has admitted he is still in the dark over the scale of the cutbacks to be imposed on his playing staff. (Mail)

• Rangers captain Steven Davis admits that playing is a release from the fear of being sacked. (Sun)

• Former Rangers manager Walter Smith has admitted he feels “guilty” about leaving the Ibrox club at the end of last season and is ready to help out his old club in their hour of need in an “advisory capacity”. (Scotsman)

• Craig Whyte is due to return from his bolthole in Monaco early this week after spending the weekend in the luxury tax haven. A source close to the businessman said he planned to return home within the next two days to assist administrators Duff & Phelps with their inquiries. (Scotsman)

Scotland striker Kenny Miller feels he is to blame after Cardiff City lost out to Liverpool in the Carling Cup final yesterday. Miller, who squandered a late goalscoring chance then missed his penalty in the shoot-out, said: “There is probably not a better chance in the game than the one I missed.” (Express)

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