Rumour Mill: Stuart McCall | Celtic

All smiles from Stuart McCall as he is unveiled as the new Rangers manager. Picture: SNS

McCall admits ‘gamble’ in taking Rangers job

STUART McCall has admitted he’s taken a gamble by agreeing to become Rangers manager on a short-term basis.

The 50-year-old’s appointment was confirmed yesterday after caretaker boss Kenny McDowall left the club.

And McCall revealed he turned down four other offers to return to club management since he quit as Motherwell gaffer last November but insists he was not holding out for the Rangers job. (Various)

Police wade into Chris Graham tweet row

POLICE Scotland have launched an investigation into an offensive tweet sent by new Rangers director Chris Graham.

Graham, appointed as a non-executive director just three days ago, apparently sent the tweet to Anjem Choudary, an Islamist preacher, on the day of the Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “We are aware of the media reports in relation to comments made on a social media site. We are now carrying out enquiries into this matter.”

Rangers have also launched their own “robust investigation” into the matter. (The Scotsman)

McNamara slams Celtic after tribunal

DUNDEE United boss Jackie McNamara said on Thursday that he had no faith in the SFA’s judicial system but admitted that he was satisfied that no player would miss the League Cup final as a result of the rammy during the Scottish Cup quarter final.

But former Celtic defender McNamara had a pop at his former club, questioning their part in the fall-out from the last eight tie.

He hinted at Scott Brown’s claims that Nadir Ciftci had kicked him in the head, adding: “We’re focused on our own team. The last thing I’d want is any of my players to speak out about the opposition and whatnot when it’s been dealt with by the authorities. I’m pleased they haven’t.” (The Scotsman)

Deila vows to keep his clothes on

CELTIC boss Ronny Deila has promised to keep his kit on if Celtic win the League Cup this weekend.

Famously passionate, the Norwegian stripped down to his underpants after avoiding relegation with former club Stromsgodset - but Deila has confirmed he won’t be repeating the feat at Hampden.

Deila said: “[My daughters] were there when I took off my clothes after that game. We were sitting on the couch the day after that game, watching it on television. It was not a great sight. (The Scotsman)

Stokes makes no apology for missing Inter match

ANTHONY Stokes has insisted a line has been drawn under events that saw him left out of the Celtic squad to face Inter Milan in Glasgow after returning late from a trip to Dublin.

The Irish striker hasn’t apologised for his delayed return, however, saying yesterday: “I spoke to the gaffer about everything and that’s it – it’s been dealt with. It’s done.”

“It was difficult [to miss the game]. It’s difficult for me to miss any game as I want to play every minute of them.”

Stokes has a chance to make amends however, with the ex-Hibs striker likely to feature at Hampden due to Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong being cup-tied. (Daily Mail)

International call-up for Lyle Taylor

PARTICK Thistle striker Lyle Taylor has been handed a shock call-up to the Montserrat international squad.

The on-loan Jags forward has been added to the pool of players for the double header against Curacao, in the first CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying round.

Taylor is eligible for Montserrat through his grandparents’ nationality. (Various)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Shakhtar Donetsk have blasted Scots ref Willie Collum after he produced the fastest red card in UEFA Champions League history

• Dominique Malonga and David Gray are expected to return to the Hibs starting XI for the match against Cowdenbeath

• Robbie Neilson is targeting three wins inside a week to set up a title party at Tynecastle

Rumour Mill: Stuart McCall | Celtic | Stokes