The Rumour Mill: Thursday's football news and transfer gossip

Published on Thursday 9 September 2010 09:34

In today's Rumour Mill: Celtic move for Shittu in doubt over player's fitness; Old Firm to stay in Scotland, SPL chief declares; Lee Wallace suffers long term injury; plus the rest of the day's football news and gossip.

Shittu bid in doubt

Celtic's bid to land out-of-contract defender Danny Shittu (pictured) was last night hanging in the balance after the 30-year-old Nigerian international made clear he is unwilling to come to Glasgow on a trial. Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has already held talks with the player's representatives, but wants Shittu to prove his fitness before making him one of Celtic's top earners. (Daily Express)

• More reaction to the Scotland match

Old Firm are here to stay, says SPL chief

Scottish Premier League chief executive Neil Doncaster yesterday remained steadfast in his view that Rangers and Celtic will not be leaving for England. He said: "We all have dreams for our clubs but I prefer to live in the day-to-day reality of where we are. Rangers and Celtic are an important part of what we've got in the SPL and I foresee them being here for the foreseeable future." (The Scotsman)

Wallace faces six months on sidelines

Hearts have confirmed that defender Lee Wallace suffered a torn cruciate ligament in Scotland's 2-1 win over Liechtenstein on Tuesday night and is expected to be out of action for six months.

The Tynecastle club's worst fears were realised following scans yesterday and manager Jim Jefferies said: "Lee has torn his cruciate ligament, the posterior, and we are looking at six months out of action. It appears his season is all but over and that is a hammer blow, first and foremost for the lad as everything seemed to be falling into place for him." (The Scotsman)

Fans booing anthem was a 'disgrace', says Peat

Scottish Football Association acting chief executive George Peat has described the jeering of the Liechtenstein national anthem as "disgraceful" and issued a public apology. The Liechtenstein anthem, which has the same tune as God Save The Queen, was met with audible derision by some members of the Scotland support ahead of Tuesday night's match at Hampden Park. (The Scotsman)

Capello confirms he will quit England job after Euro 2012

Fabio Capello has confirmed he will quit as England coach after Euro 2012. After an abysmal World Cup performance, many pundits believe Capello was fortunate to remain in his 6million-a-year post. When asked whether he would be leaving after Euro 2012, he said: "Absolutely. Yes. We have to qualify first of course but after that I will be too old. I want to enjoy my life as a pensioner." (Various)

IN BRIEF

• Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier was confirmed yesterday as Martin O'Neill's successor at Aston Villa. (Various)

• Former Livingston and Stirling midfielder Michael McAdam has moved to Clydebank. (Record)

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