The Rumour Mill: Thursday’s football news and gossip

Lennon upbeat despite draw

Neil Lennon last night accentuated the positives from Celtic’s 0-0 Champions League draw with Benfica as he insisted qualification from Group G remains firmly within the capabilities of his team. The Celtic manager said: “Tonight was their first test of Champions League football and the majority of them passed it. It was a fair result. We didn’t work their goalkeeper as much as I would have liked. Having said that, I was very pleased with the team’s performance. There was a very good tempo and a very good shape to us. We were committed and played with real zest and no fear against a class side.” (Scotsman)

• James Forrest believes Celtic were denied a penalty when he was barged over in the box. The winger said: “I thought it was a penalty but the ref didn’t give it so we move on. The referee just blanked me and ran away and on another night the official might have given it.” (Record)

Pitch not to blame for Templeton injury - Annan chief

Annan Athletic chairman Henry McClelland has dismissed claims by Ally McCoist that the Galabank 3G pitch was to blame for David Templeton’s injury on Saturday. He said: “We are not very happy about his comments. He wants to take a closer look at the Rangers TV video - it is quite clear from commentary that Templeton was fouled and only seconds before he went down he was clicked by one of our players.” (Record)

• Ian Durrant has admitted that Tuesday night’s defeat on penalties by Queen of the South was a “kick in the teeth” for Rangers. However, the Ibrox assistant manager also views it as another harsh lesson for a young team who must quickly come to terms with the need to win every game. (Scotsman)

• Kevin Kyle is facing a two-match ban after his red card against Queen of the South. (Express)

Contract talks for McCall

Motherwell are set to open contract talks with manager Stuart McCall in a bid to keep him at Fir Park beyond the end of the season. Chief executive Leeann Demptser will begin talks with McCall, whose deal expires in the summer, when she returns from holiday. (Express)

Hearts wages on SPL agenda

The non-payment of player wages at Hearts is set to be on the agenda of a Scottish Premier League board meeting today. It will not be the first time the SPL have discussed late delivery of salaries at Tynecastle after four significant delays last season. (Scotsman)

• A transfer embargo is among the potential sanctions facing the Edinburgh club. (Express)

Fletcher back in action

Darren Fletcher returned from his career-threatening bowel condition as Manchester United scrambled to an unconvincing Champions League win over Galatasaray at Old Trafford. It was the Scot’s first appearance since November 22, although he had been battling against the problem for eight months before that. At one stage, Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he feared whether Fletcher would ever resume his career. (Various)

IN BRIEF

• Ross McCormack has been ruled out of Scotland’s World Cup double header against Wales and Belgium. The Leeds striker suffered an ankle injury during Saturday’s defeat by Cardiff. (Various)

• Former Celtic star Aiden McGeady, currently at Spartak Moscow, could be reunited with Martin O’Neill at Sunderland. (Sun)

• O’Neill has also allowed Scotland international James McFadden to join Sunderland for training as he attempts to win a short-term deal. (Sun)

• Former Inverness full-back Richard Hastings, 35, is on the lookout for a new club after a spell back in his homeland with Vancouver. (Express)

• Freed Aberdeen striker Darren Mackie could revive his career in America after being linked with Phoenix FC. (Express)

• Peterhead have signed Alloa defender Ryan Harding on a month’s loan. (Record)

• East Stirling have signed ex-Aberdeen centre-back Michael Dunlop from Forfar. (Record)