Rumour Mill: Celtic £21.3m | Neil Lennon

Celtic's earnings have been boosted by Champions League revenues. Picture: SNS

Celtic announce profits of £21.3m

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell says the Parkhead club were right not to splash out on expensive transfers after announcing pre-tax profits of £21.3m in their half year accounts.

The club’s finances have been boosted by Champions League participation and sales of big name players including Gary Hooper and Victor Wanyama. (Scotsman)

• However the Parkhead chief exec has not ruled out spending up to £8m on a marquee signing to help boost Celtic’s Champions League chances

• Lawwell laughed off suggestions that he was using his influence with the SPFL to ensure Parkhead hosted the league cup final adding that Celtic’s ground was the “biggest and best” in the country

Neil Lennon hits out at critics

Celtic manager Neil Lennon says he can handle the abuse that it directed at him but does not believe he deserves it, The Parkhead manager was reacting to comments made during a radio phone-in where he was described as a “streetfighter who attracts trouble”.

Lennon was targeted with coins at Tynecastle during a League Cup semi between Aberdeen and St Johnstone.

He said: “I feel aggrieved, especially at the way I’ve been portrayed. It’s said I’m confrontational, looks after himself, blah blah blah.

Rubbish. I’m at the game last week and a coin whizzes past, could’ve hit me in the eye. Am I big enough to take that? Yes, but should I take it? No.“

Rangers ready for anyone in Scottish Cup

Ally McCoist says Rangers will be a match for anyone in Scottish Cup if they produce the same type of form which saw them overcome Dunfermline 4 - 0 in the fifth round of the competition.

The Ibrox manager says he would be confident of taking on any team at home.

The draw for the Scottish Cup quarter finals will take place on Sunday. (Scotsman)

Dundee United wipe out bank debt

The Tannadice club have reduced their debt with the Bank of Scotland, which at one time sat at £6m, to 0 thanks to help of unnamed investors.

Chairman Stephen Thompson says the deal can help the club “thrive in the future”. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Celtic captain Scott Brown chauffeurs new signing Leigh Griffiths from Edinburgh to the club’s training ground. Brown, tongue firmly in cheek, says the pair engage in intellectual discussion during the 45 minute journey with the independence debate and the environment top of the agenda

• St Mirren boss Danny Lennon says new signing Djemba Djemba can form the heart of his midfield with Jim Goodwin. The former Manchester United player is set to make his debut in the Scottish Cup against Dundee United tomorrow

Rumour Mill: Celtic £21.3m | Neil Lennon | Scottish Cup