Rumour Mill: Foderingham for England? | Celtic franchise club

Wes Foderingham helped Rangers to victory over St Mirren. Picture: Kirk O'Rourke

Foderingham ‘good enough for England’

RANGERS boss Mark Warburton has suggested that Gers ‘keeper Wes Foderingham could go on to become an England international.

The former Swindon Town goalie helped Rangers to a narrow 1-0 win over St Mirren at the weekend and made a clutch of top-drawer saves to deny Scott Agnew and Stevie Mallan among others. (The Scotsman)

Hoops examine franchise club options

CELTIC are looking into the possibility of creating a franchise club in the USA and Asia, according to reports.

The Hoops, who are looking to grow their global reach, have held preliminary talks with the North American Soccer League (NASL), the second tier of US football.

The NASL is planning to expand to 20 teams from the current 11 by 2018, with Celtic reportedly keen on getting involved. (BBC Sport Scotland)

Sutton questions Blackett signing

FORMER Celtic striker Chris Sutton has questioned Celtic’s signing of Tyler Blackett, after the on-loan Manchester United starlet was overlooked for the games against Fenerbahce and Molde.

Sutton, who scored 86 goals in 199 matches for Celtic in all competitions, said in a weekend newspaper column: “Ronny Deila clearly doesn’t rate Tyler Blackett. He picked Kieran Tierney to play at left-back ahead of him in the Fenerbahce match and then he opted for Efe Ambrose in Molde.

“So if he doesn’t fancy or rate Blackett, why did he sign him? That’s a mistake. And, if he didn’t sign him and someone else above him at the club did, then that is also a big worry. That needs [to be] clarified, for me.”

Blackett has made four league starts for Celtic, and two substitute appearances. (Daily Record)

Commons and Deila heal rift

RONNY Deila gave Kris Commons a special hug after substituting the two-goal ex-Scotland star in Celtic’s 5-0 drubbing of Dundee United.

Commons, who hit the headlines after his meltdown in Molde, helped Celtic to a convincing win over the struggling Tannadice outfit as the Hoops shook off their European hangover to maintain their Scottish Premiership lead.

Deila said: “I like hugs - that’s good. [Commons] was good, together with the team. He scored one especially good goal and he is brilliant at penalties. I’m happy for him and for the whole team.” (Daily Mail)

Deila reveals reason behind lack of Ronny Roar

DESPITE an emphatic 5-0 win over Dundee United, Hoops boss Ronny Deila didn’t perform his now-trademark ‘Ronny Roar’ after the match.

“I haven’t done it every time,” said Deila. “Celtic Park is a big stadium to go around. Today, I didn’t feel like it. I just didn’t feel for it today and that’s my thing. But it will come back, it will come back.”

Deila had been subjected to abuse from some fans after the midweek defeat in Norway. (The Scotsman)

Potty-mouthed Paatelainen slams stars

RAGING Dundee United boss Mixu Paatelainen didn’t hold back in his assessment of the 5-0 humbling at Celtic Park on Sunday.

In his post-match interview, the former Hibs and Kilmarnock boss said: “What is the point in f***ing training? It was rubbish with a capital R. You can set out your tactics and prepare for the match but if you don’t do the basic things right then everything goes into the rubbish bin.

“We did not do the things we had to in order to eliminate the quality and movement of Celtic players.

“After that I’m not surprised Dundee United are bottom of the league as we don’t get the basic things right, it’s as simple as that.” (Various)

Cole knocked back Qatar switch

CARLTON Cole reportedly knocked back a move to Qatari outfit Al-Arabi during the summer before signing for Celtic, the striker has revealed.

Al-Arabi, bossed by ex-Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola, were keen on former West Ham striker Cole, but the new Celtic forward said it was a ‘no-brainer’ to move to Scotland, adding: “I spoke to [Zola] last summer after leaving West Ham.

“He was enquiring if I would like to go over there. But I told him it wasn’t right for me at this stage of my career. Then I got a call about Celtic, and for me it was a no-brainer.” (The Sun)

Chelsea plot Mourinho exit

CHELSEA are reportedly planning to oust Jose Mourinho, after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham.

The ‘Special One’ was sent to the stands for the second 45 minutes, after he reportedly attempted to gain access to the out-of-bounds referee’s room during the half time break.

The former Porto boss’s position is said to be under review, with the Blues languishing in 15th position in the English Premier League.

And Mourinho could be given just two matches to save his Chelsea tenure, with the Blues facing Stoke in the Capital One Cup and then Liverpool in the league. (Daily Mail)

Rumour Mill: Foderingham for England? | Celtic franchise club | Tyler Blackett