Rumour Mill: Fraser Forster | Celtic

Fraser Forster had little to do against KR Reykjavik at Murrayfield. Picture: SNS

Deila keen to hold onto Forster despite Saints interest

CELTIC boss Ronny Deila has professed to being a big fan of Hoops goalkeeper Fraser Forster, but accepts that the club’s resolve could be tested if Southampton increase their offer for the English World Cup squad member.

The towering No 1 was a virtual spectator last night as the Hoops crushed KR Reykjavik 4-0 at Murrayfield to win their two-legged Champions League qualifier 5-0 on aggregate.

Deila told reporters last night: “In the end, something will happen with Fraser. But whether it happens now, in the winter or next summer, I don’t know.

“I want to keep him because I want to qualify for the Champions League and build this team further. We want to keep him here. He has given me no indication he wants to leave. He is an unbelievable professional and I know he wants to play in the Champions League.

“Fraser has done a great job for Celtic but Celtic have also been fantastic for him. I hope that will continue.” (The Scotsman)

Hoops boss pleased with win but says side can do better

FOR some managers, a 4-0 win in a European match would be enough, but Ronny Deila felt his side took their foot off the gas last night after roaring to a three-goal lead inside 30 minutes.

“We started very well and in the first 30 minutes we killed the game by going 3-0 up,” he said. “The tempo was good and we also scored two goals from set plays we had worked on, which was a bonus.

“In the second half, we wanted to do the same things but I don’t think we managed that. That’s something we have to work on in future. We need to play for 90 minutes and really destroy opponents in that situation.” (The Scotsman)

McCoist frets over injured pair

RANGERS boss Ally McCoist has been left with a selection worry after defensive duo Marius Zaliukas and Sebastian Faure sustained injuries during Monday’s 2-1 win over Victoria Highlanders in British Columbia.

Faure suffered a knee problem, and was seen leaving the stadium in a brace while ex-Hearts skipper Zaliukas pulled his groin in the dying minutes of the match.

McCoist is hopeful of having the pair fit for the match against Hibs on August 5th. (Daily Record)

Gers tour of India on the cards

RANGERS are in talks over a tour of India.

Tony Asghar of Revolution Sports - who masterminded the current tour of the US and Canada - is believed to be keen on expanding the Rangers brand in both India and Australia.

He said: “India and Australia are possible. Rangers is a big brand.” (Daily Record)

United knock back Hull’s Robertson bid

DUNDEE United have knocked back another bid from Hull City for left back Andy Robertson, believed to be in the region of over £2 million.

But Steve Bruce is expected to maintain his chase for the 20-year-old Scotland international, and have made three bids in total.

United are in no hurry to sell after Ryan Gauld’s money-spinning transfer to Sporting Lisbon, and are keen that the ex-Queen’s Park full-back leaves on their terms. (The Sun)

Bilate helps United to Breda win

NEW signing Mario Bilate climbed off the bench last night to give the Terrors a 2-1 win over NAC Breda in the Netherlands last night.

The former Rotterdam striker scored his first United goal after 81 minutes, after Brian Graham had cancelled out Adnane Tighadouini’s opener for the Dutch side.

And boss Jackie McNamara can’t wait for Bilate to reach full fitness and show the United support what he is capable of. (The Sun)

News in brief

• Hearts suffered a 3-0 loss away to Dundee last night, with new signing Luka Tankulic’s brace and Gary Harkins’ penalty handing the Dark Blues a comfortable victory

• Alan Combe says joining Hibs is a ‘dream come true’ as he follows in the footsteps of his great-uncle Bobby Combe, who played during the Famous Five era

• Ex-Aberdeen striker Rory McAllister scored the only goal as a Dons XI was defeated 1-0 by Peterhead at Balmoor

Rumour Mill: Fraser Forster | Celtic | Rangers