The Rumour Mill: Monday’s Scottish football transfer news and gossip

Published on 03/12/2012 10:16

Spartak’s Ari wants revenge against Celtic, Hibs savour victory in Edinburgh derby and Miku set for Parkhead exit.

CELTIC V SPARTAK BUILD-UP

• Spartak Moscow striker Ari says he wants his side to exact revenge against Celtic after the Parkhead side inflicted a defeat on the Russians in their second outing in the Champions League this season.

The Brazilian also says Benfica are a better team and deserve to finish second in the group. (Express)

• Former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady says he is unsure of what reception he will get when turns out for Spartak at Parkhead on Wednesday evening

• Messi has vowed to help Celtic reach the last 16 of the Champions League after being impressed by the club’s supporters. (Record)

• Artur Boruc is to return to Parkhead - as a fan for Celtic’s match against Spartak.

Hibs savour victory in Edinburgh derby

• Pat Fenlon says his side’s 1 - 0 victory over Hearts should not be regarded as revenge for his side’s 5 - 1 Scottish Cup final defeat to the Tynecastle side in May.

Fenlon said he hoped the result, which knocks the holders out of the competition, would help build belief at the club. (Scotsman)

• John McGlynn says Hearts’ lack of killer instinct is costing the club in game terms and admitted that he was gutted to see the Tynecastle club crash out of the Scottish Cup as holders. (Express)

Miku set for early Celtic exit

Celtic striker Miku is set to return to Spanish club Getafe after failing to adjust to Scottish football. Parkhead manager Neil Lennon is reportedly happy to let the Venezuelan return before his loan deal ends in January. (Sun)

SFL clubs could scupper SPL plans - Green

Rangers chief executive Charles Green warned SPL bosses that SFL clubs could stop their plans for league reconstruction ahead of the meeting of the heads of clubs currently playing in the top flight of Scottish football.

The SPL plans of a 16 - 10 - 16 league set up would require the approval of 12 SFL teams. (Herald)

McCoist not scared of drawing SPL side

Rangers manager Ally McCoist says he has no fears of his side being paired with SPL opponents in the next round of the Scottish Cup following their 3 - 0 victory over Elgin,

The Ibrox manager says his side are ready to face opposition despite crashing out of the league cup to Inverness 3 - 0 at home earlier this season. (Scotsman)

Aberdeen home form a mystery

Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes says Aberdeen’s poor form at home is a mystery.

The Dons have only won two of their home matches this season and looked set for a fourth successive Pittodries defeat before Niall McGinn’s late goal earned them a replay against Motherwell. (Press and Journal)