The Rumour Mill: Friday’s football news and gossip

SPL should ‘think again’ - Green

The Scottish Football Association’s judicial panel has delivered a verdict of not proven after Rangers chief executive Charles Green was accused of bringing the game into disrepute and failing to act in the best interests of football. Following the decision, Green called on the Scottish Premier League to think again about their treatment of the club. In reference to the SPL Commission on Rangers’ alleged use of improper tax arrangements, Green said: “Perhaps it’s now time that people within the SPL who have been pursuing Rangers at every turn take stock. As a member of the SFA, we want to work contructively within its structure and hope that all parties can take a view that what is of paramount importance is the good of the game.” (Various)

Ledley not bothered by absence of Rangers

Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley insists that Rangers are of no consequence to the Parkhead club this season as they pursue a domestic treble and Champions League success. Ledley said: “Most people wanted to see an Old Firm game against Rangers in the draw but, as players, we don’t care. Am I missing the Old Firm games? No, nowhere near it. When you’re playing in the Champions League it makes up for it. It doesn’t bother us at all [if we face Rangers this season]. We just want to keep playing and see what happens. Our main aim is to win the league, win all the cups and to get as far as we possibly can in Europe.” (Scotsman)

Bardsley brokered Fletcher return

Phil Bardsley is the man who brokered the peace deal between his Sunderland team-mate Steven Fletcher and Scotland manager Craig Levein. Defender Bardsley spoke to Fletcher and Scotland scout Mick Oliver before he then contacted Levein, who called the in-form striker up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. (Express)

• Scotland striker Kenny Miller could be a doubt for the World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Belgium after picking up a hamstring strain playing for Vancouver. Miller was subbed in Wednesday’s 4-0 win over Chivas but Vancouver’s Scottish boss Martin Rennie still expects the 32-year-old to join up with the national team squad. (Sun)

• Wales are set to name Craig Bellamy in their squad to face Scotland today. (Various)

Hampden to be football free for a year

No football will be played at Hampden for a year – including the 2014 Scottish Cup and League Cup finals and semi-finals – to enable the stadium to host the Commonwealth Games athletics. Scotland’s national football stadium had been earmarked as the venue for track and field in two years’ time and the details of the transformation were announced last night following talks with stadium management, football parties and Glasgow 2014 organisers. (Various)

Brown hopes to see Rangers revival

Former Rangers goalkeeper Bobby Brown hopes to see Rangers recover from their current plight. The 89-year-old said at yesterday’s draw for the Scottish Communities League Cup: “I’ve nothing but praise for the Rangers I knew and I can’t get my head around what has happened to the club,” said Brown. “My hope is that I will still be on the planet when they get back to where they belong, which is the upper echelons of our game, not only in Scotland but in Europe.” (Scotsman)

Forster thrilled by England call-up

Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster was “thrilled” with his first England call-up after previously trying to put speculation over his international prospects out of his mind. Forster said: “I got a call from the gaffer yesterday to let me know he thought it was going to happen and then I found out for definite today so I’m thrilled. I spoke to my parents last night to let them know, and they were obviously delighted as well.” (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill is set to sign James McFadden on a free transfer following the Scotland striker’s two-week trial with the club. (Mail)

• Former Celtic striker Scott McDonald has held peace talks with Middlesborough manager Tony Mowbray in a bid to rescue his career. (Record)

• Ex-Rangers striker El Hadji Diouf is in talks over an extended contract at Leeds. (Record)