Rumour Mill: Rangers injuries | Mouyokolo | Aberdeen

ALLY McCoist’s side face an injury crisis ahead of a cup double, a forgotten Celtic defender could make his comeback, and Aberdeen’s chairman gives his manager his backing, plus more SPFL news in Monday’s Rumour Mill

Ian Black is stretchered off in Rangers' win over Brechin. Picture: SNS

Rangers face Cup semi injury crisis

ALLY McCoist has been hit by a spate of injuries which could leave him with a depleted squad to take on Dundee United in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Ian Black and Nicky Law both went off injured in Rangers’ 2-1 win over Brechin yesterday, joining Andy Little and David Templeton on the sidelines.

McCoist said: “It certainly looks like an injury crisis... There’s a good bit of football to be played before the Dundee United game, but the scans for (Templeton) and Andy Little are not too encouraging.” (Mail)

Celtic’s Mouyokolo set for return

DEFENDER Steven Mouyokolo could make his return to the Celtic team next month, having missed the last six months with a torn achilles tendon.

Mouyokolo featured in Celtic’s Champions League qualifying campaign before suffering the serious ankle injury.

The 27-year-old, formerly of Hull City and Wolves, joined Celtic on a one-year deal last summer. (Record)

Milne to back McInnes in trophy hunt

ABERDEEN chairman Stewart Milne has pledged his backing for manager Derek McInnes as the club look to build on their League Cup final victory.

Milne said: “What I can say to the fans is that we’ll do everything in our powers to back Derek in every way we can.”

Milne’s speech came as tens of thousands of Aberdeen residents watched the team parade the League Cup trophy through the city yesterday afternoon. (Various)

Griffiths enjoying Celtic pressure

LEIGH Griffiths says he is enjoying the pressure to win at Celtic, and has called on his teammates to embark on another unbeaten run.

Griffiths said: “With Hibs you weren’t expected to win every game, but here the manager demands so much of you and at a club like Celtic you’re expected to win every game.

“The manager’s brought me in to score goals as he saw I could handle the pressure of playing up front on my own with Hibs and that’s why I’m here.” (Express)

Sons of Struth founder faces £200k damages bill

THE founder of Rangers fans group Sons of Struth is reportedly facing a £200,000 damages bill as his legal battle with Ibrox shareholder Sandy Easdale continues.

Craig Houston is being taken to court by Easdale in a dispute over comments made in online forums, according to the Record. Houston has received a summons and claim for £200,000 in damages.

Houston told the Record: “I’m just a normal guy - I don’t have that kind of money. The only way I could guarantee having no further problem would be to close the Sons of Struth Facebook page. I’m sure that is what Mr Easdale would like.” (Record)

Ciftci is Scotland’s best striker, says Paton

NADIR Ciftci has been described as the best centre forward in the Premiership by team-mate Paul Paton.

The Turkish 22-year-old scored his 14th goal of the season against Hearts, and Paton believes he is the ideal frontman for United in their push for European football.

Paton said: “Nadir has been unbelievable... We feel we wouldn’t rather have another striker in the league than Nadir, it’s as simple as that.” (Express)