Rumour Mill: Friday's football rumours and gossip

Published on Friday 12 March 2010 09:17

Jefferies in Romanov's good books, no stress for Mowbray and Bougherra set to return from injury - all this and more in today's Rumour Mill.

Romanov happy with my work says Jefferies

Jim Jefferies believes the Tynecastle owner is happy with his work so far – including recent personnel decisions which have seen Jose Goncalves recalled from exile for last weekend's defeat at Dundee United and Christian Nade disciplined for a clash with a team-mate. THE SCOTSMAN

Celtic boss Tony Mowbray plays down significance of Kilmarnock match

It is the only competition Celtic still have a realistic chance of winning this season. But as far manager Tony Mowbray is concerned, tomorrow's Active Nation Scottish Cup quarter-final tie away to Kilmarnock is just like any other match. THE SCOTSMAN

Nacho Novo set for talks with Rangers over new deal

Nacho Novo is set to re-open contract talks with Rangers over a new two-year deal. DAILY RECORD

Madjid Bougherra set to return from injury

The powerful Algerian is expected to be passed fit for Sunday's Scottish Cup encounter after a fortnight on the sidelines nursing an injury. DAILY MAIL

Partick move turns sour as Jackie McNamara breaks a leg

Falkirk defender Jackie McNamara is out for the rest of the season after breaking his leg while playing on loan for Partick Thistle. THE SCOTSMAN

Rangers chief Martin Bain slams "transfer market for kids"

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain accuses Scottish clubs of creating a "professional transfer market" for children. THE HERALD

Gordon Strachan says challenge at Middlesbrough bigger than at Celtic

Taking Middlesbrough into Premiership will be tougher challenge than taking Celtic into Champions League last 16, says Gordon Strachan.

THE HERALD

Real Madrid vow to stick with boss Manuel Pellegrini

As Real Madrid tried to come to terms with Wednesday night's traumatic events and a sixth successive Champions League exit at the last-16 stage, the club denied the widespread assumption that coach Manuel Pellegrini would carry the can for defeat to Lyons. INDEPENDENT

David James tries to pay sacked Portsmouth staff's wages

David James is organising the Portsmouth players to pay the wages of up to eight training ground staff out of their own pockets after the club's administrator sacked them as part of major job cuts this week. INDEPENDENT