Rumour Mill: Commons taunts Rangers | Dundee’s Euro hopes

KRIS Commons laughs off Rangers’ offer of ‘Division Three club’ facilities to Juventus; Dundee could enter Europe through Fair Play system and Johnny Russell targets Scotland call-up.

Kris Commons laughs off Rangers invitation to Juventus

Celtic midfielder Kris Commons has dismissed Rangers’ offer of training facilities to Juventus, saying: “If [Juventus] want to prepare at a Division Three training ground let them get on with it.”

The Ibrox club are believed to have invited the Turin side to use their Murray Park facilities today, ahead of a light training session at Parkhead tonight. But Commons had a dig at Third Division Rangers but laughed off the significance of the offer made to Antonio Conte’s team, adding: “Juventus can train in my back garden, it would make no difference.” (Daily Record / Scottish Sun)

Dundee hopeful of unlikely European spot

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SPL basement side Dundee could be set for a European spot next season - thanks to the Fair Play league. The Dens Park side could benefit from Scotland’s placing just outside an automatic Fair Play spot, sitting seventh out of 53 countries.

UEFA awards three extra Europa League spots to the top countries in the Fair Play league. In Scotland, Celtic and Dundee United currently occupy the first two spots with Dundee and Motherwell joint third - and the Dark Blues could benefit if those three clubs automatically qualify, even if they are relegated.

Scotland’s Fair Play ranking shot up last season, finishing eighth after placing twelfth at this stage of the campaign and Dundee will be hopeful of similar happening this season.

Motherwell were the last side to qualify through this route, participating in the first Europa League competition. (Daily Record)

Johnny Russell targets international call-up

Dundee United hitman Johnny Russell has targeted a place in Gordon Strachan’s squad for the upcoming double-header against Wales and Serbia. The 22-year-old has scored three goals in two games, including a brace against Rangers in the Scottish Cup.

After a brief spell with the international side last year - Craig Levein called the striker up for his squad to face the USA - Russell is adamant he can force his way back into the national set-up, calling it ‘every boy’s dream to play for their country’. (Daily Mail)

Craig Gordon admits career fears

Former Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon has voiced his concerns that his playing career might be over. The 30-year-old joined up with the Dumbarton squad at the weekend, leading to rumours that he was making a return to playing. However, the Scot was being used in a coaching capacity.

The £9-million stopper hasn’t played in over a year, and had surgery on a broken arm after making a comeback from a previous injury. However, Gordon has admitted that he is looking into coaching as he wants to remain in the game even if he can’t play. (Scottish Sun)

Wanyama looks to brother for Juve advice

Victor Wanyama has revealed he has asked his brother for tips on how to take down Juventus. The Kenyan’s brother, McDonald Mariga, plays for Inter Milan and has faced the Turin giants in Serie A.