The Rumour Mill: Tuesday’s football news and gossip

Rangers chief ‘feels sorry for EBTs judge’

Charles Green claims he feels sorry for the men tasked with judging Rangers’ use of employee benefit trusts (EBTs), but insists he will do all he can to ensure the club is not stripped of titles. Lord Nimmo Smith will front a three-man independent tribunal in November to investigate the alleged side payments to players. Green said: “We have never questioned the integrity of this panel. But I’m starting to feel sorry for them because they don’t know what they are getting themselves into. They are learned, they have international reputations and everyone knows their areas of expertise. But they are being drawn into something that is complete madness.” (Sun)

• Former Ibrox chairman Alastair Johnston has claimed Rangers made no secret of their use of EBTs, and the club should not be unjustly punished for doing so. He said: “Justice must be served, but the punishment must fit the crime. Use of EBT schemes were broadly adopted by a variety of businesses during the era prior to them being specifically outlawed by designated legislation introduced only a couple of years ago. Also, as has been widely reported, Rangers made absolutely no attempt to disguise or deny their adoption.” (BBC)

• The Scottish Football Association is expected to make a new statement on Rangers’ use of EBTs within the next 24 hours, as the row between the Ibrox club and the SPL rages on. (Mail)

Wanyama keen to stay at Celtic

Victor Wanyama is ready to commit his long-term future to Celtic, despite interest from a host of top English clubs. The midfielder said: “I leave these things for the club and my agent but I’m really happy here and looking forward to staying for as many years as I can.” (Record)

• Midfielders Joe Ledley and Beram Kayal are both fit enough to return to the Celtic first team and may feature in tonight’s League Cup match against Raith Rovers. (Various)

Naismith faces possible Scotland ban

The World Cup hopes of Scotland and manager Craig Levein could be dealt a significant blow after it emerged that Steven Naismith is facing a possible ban for next month’s key double-header against Wales and Belgium because of an apparent off-the-ball elbow against Serbia earlier this month. (Various)

Skacel return to Hearts unlikely

Rudi Skacel last night all but ruled out a return to Hearts when he posted a message on his Twitter feed saying he was likely to have bad news for supporters of the Tynecastle club. The player wrote: “Thank u for all the msgs from Hearts fans-you r the best but unfortunately I may not have good news for u but wherever I go 51 shirt it is.” (Scotsman)

Armstrong signs on at Tannadice

Dundee United midfielder Stuart Armstrong, 20, has extended his contract until May 2015 after establishing himself as a first-team regular with 47 appearances. Armstrong, who was joined by 22-year-old full-back Keith Watson in prolonging his stay, said: “I want to establish myself as a first-team player and it’s a great club to try to make your way in the game.” (Scotsman)

• United boss Peter Houston is still waiting to hear if he will be offered a new deal. His contract runs out in the summer but with uncertainty over television money the issue has been put on the backburner. (Express)

Shiels targets cup run

Dean Shiels has targeted an extended run in the Scottish Communities League Cup as Rangers seek to make amends for their Ramsdens Cup exit. The midfielder said: “We want to keep winning games and this is a cup we want to do well in. To do that, we will need to progress on Wednesday. It’s going to be very tough.” (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill is set to make a decision on whether to sign Scotland international James McFadden by the end of the week. (Various)

• East Stirling have signed former Freiburg midfielder Philipp Zufle after he emailed them asking for a trial. (Record)