Rumour Mill: Joe Ledley | Rangers sectarian singing | John Brown

Celtic in Joe Ledley contract talks, Rangers unlikely to face punishment for sectarian chanting and Dundee chief executive backs John Brown.

Celtic boss wants Joe Ledley to extend deal

Neil Lennon says he is keen for midfielder Joe Ledley to extend his current deal with the Parkhead club which expires at the end of next season.

The Welshman, who scored two goals in yesterday’s 5 - 0 rout of Dundee, is in preliminary talks about a new deal. (Sun)

Rangers boss in sectarian singing warning

Ally McCoist has warned the club’s fans not to spoil a great season by singing sectarian songs. Two fans were arrested on anti-sectarian charges by Northumbria Police and broadcaster ESPN even had to issue an apology after the Billy Boys were chanted. (Various)

• The Record reports that the SFA will be unlikely to punish Rangers for sectarian singing.

The governing body can only sanction clubs who don’t clamp down on bad behaviour. As Rangers have been proactive in the past they are unlikely to face punishment. (Record)

Dundee chief defends appointment of John Brown

Dundee chief executive Scott Gardiner has defended the appointment of John Brown as interim manager and condemned the reaction from both supporters and pundits.

Brown’s only previous management role saw him relegated with Clyde. He as also a youth coach with Rangers prior to the Ibrox side’s liquidation.

Gardiner said that even Real Madrid and former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho couldn’t have turned things around at Clyde.

(Scotsman)

Hibs denied by controversial late penalty

Pat Fenlon’s side were denied victory at Tannadice yesterday when a penalty was handed to Jackie McNamara’s side with five minutes to go. TV replays showed that the offence had happened outside the box however that did not stop Johnny Russell converting. (Scotsman)

Inverness can make Europe

Midfielder Aaron Doran believes he and his ICT team mates can look forward to a first season of European football after victory against Hearts took them into second spot in the SPL table. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• An impressive display against Airdrie United in their 1 - 0 defeat against Patrick Thistle could see on loan Celtic keeper Robbie Thompson offered a new deal. The 19-year-old produced a string of impressive saves and was unfortunate to be beaten by a wonder strike from Chris Erskine.

• Hearts midfielder Jason Holt says his side cannot focus too much on the league cup final and must instead ensure that the secure a top six finish