Rumour Mill: Praise for Craig Gordon

Craig Gordon denies Salzburg ace Alan. Picture: SNS

Ronny Deila is full of praise for Craig Gordon

Craig Gordon starred in a pulsating Europa League Group D opener at the Salzburg Stadion. Making several saves, a couple of them brilliant, to keep the home side at bay.

But he had no chance with either Alan’s opener or the 25-yard free-kick from Jonatan Soriano.

Boss Deila said: “Craig has been good all season but he is getting better all the time. He is a top professional, a fantastic man and I am so glad to have him in the group.

“I had only seen him playing for Sunderland on TV. I didn’t know him but our goalkeeping coach, Stevie Woods, said he was ready. He’s fit now and will get back to the level he was at before.

“Fraser was fantastic but now we have another good goalkeeper. He is very calm and so far he has been fantastic.” (Various)

Derek Johnstone asks fans to return to Ibrox for the sake of the players

Derek Johnstone has called for Rangers fans to return to Ibrox.

Thousands of supporters have stayed away from home matches this season in protest at the under-fire Gers board while the Sons of Struth have polled members over an official boycott of the club.

Tensions between the terraces and boardroom are at an all-time high as Rangers’ financial health is once again called into question. Many fans have vowed never to return while the off-field status quo is preserved but Johnstone insists Ally McCoist’s side need all the help they can get as they bid for the Championship crown.

He said: “The fans have been absolutely magnificent, you can’t fault them.

“There is talk about a boycott but is that not the case already when there are only 15,000 at the game against Inverness? The league games are about 30,000 so I think there is a boycott already.

“It doesn’t help the players. When you are used to running out at Ibrox in front of big crowds and then you come out and there is only 15,000 there, it is a blow for the players. The fans and the atmosphere lift them.

“If you want to have a go at the directors and hold up banners and cards, fine.

“But go to the games, create an atmosphere for the players. Everyone wants to see Rangers back in the big time again and in cup finals.” (Evening Times)

Neil Lennon in race for Cardiff and Fulham jobs

Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon has expressed an interest in taking charge of Cardiff City after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer resigned. (The Times)

But Lennon is also reported to be leading the race for the vacant manager’s role at Fulham following Felix Magath’s dismissal, with ex-Spurs boss Tim Sherwood his main rival. (The Sun)

Dundee manager Paul Hartley, former West Brom boss Steve Clarke and ex-Norwich manager Chris Hughton are among the other names in the frame for the Cardiff job. (Guardian)

Alan Hutton impressed by Roy Keane

Villa defender Alan Hutton, 29, insists assistant manager Roy Keane’s ‘volcanic’ personality has been key to the Birmingham club’s impressive start to the Premier League season. (Daily Mail)

News in brief:

• Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has targeted new deals for Fabian Delph, 24, and Ron Vlaar, 29, after committing his own future to the club. (Daily Mirror)

• Arsenal are ready to make a January move for unhappy PSG striker Edinson Cavani, 27. (Daily Express)

Rumour Mill: Praise for Craig Gordon | Neil Lennon