The Rumour Mill: Wednesday’s football transfer news and gossip

Levein under pressure after two draws from two

Craig Levein is facing increasing pressure in today’s papers after Scotland’s two draws against Serbia and Macedonia.

The Daily Record described Scotland’s performance in last night’s 1-1 draw as “so sluggish and dishevelled that they made Macedonia look like world-beaters”.

The Herald’s described Levein and his side as “lacking in any kind of authority or command”, while The Sun claimed that the Tartan Army have turned on Levein and “are now heckling him for fun”.

Levein refusing to panic after Macedonia draw

Scotland boss Craig Levein has said there is “no need to get worried” after two draws from the side’s first two games.

“When you look at the table, it doesn’t look damaging at all,” he said. “We are two points behind three teams on four points and there are 24 points to play for.

“For me, there is no need to get worried about the situation we are in just now.” (Daily Record)

Sports law expert says Rangers titles could be stripped in EBT case

A leading sports law expert has said that Rangers could see past titles stripped by the EBT panel, despite Charles Green’s claims.

The anonymous expert, speaking to the Daily Record, said: “I think it is within the SPL’s powers and I don’t see a clear legal route for (Green) to take.

“It’s entirely within the SPLs rights of jurisdictions to decide who are or were their champions based on their rules. Ifg its rules were broken, they can derecognise.” (Daily Record)

Scotland captain Miller describes Hampden atmosphere as ‘strangest ever’

Kenny Miller has described the atmosphere at Hampden as the strangest he has ever played in.

“It never happened for us for whatever reason but what I will say is that there was a different atmosphere at Hampden,” the captain said.

“Whether that translated on to the pitch or not, there’s no excuses.

“There’s been a lot of negative things from Saturday’s draw against Serbia. Rightly or wrongly, that’s not up to me to say. But it’s as strange an atmosphere as I’ve ever experienced at Hampden.” (Daily Record)

Derek Riordan back in training with Kilmarnock

Former Hibs striker Derek Riordan has rejoined training with Kilmarnock in an attempt to win a deal.

Riordan was at Rugby Park briefly in January, but a lack of cash saw him leave soon after. The former Scotland international has been out of contract since leaving St Johnstone at the end of the season. (Daily Express)

IN BRIEF

• Former Hibs defender Sean O’Hanlon has joined Dundee on trial, having pledged to “make his mark” on the SPL after leaving Easter Road. (Daily Mail)

• Celtic have topped the Scottish list of Euro 2012 payouts, receiving £473,000 from UEFA for their players involvement in this summer’s tournament. Rangers are in line for £283,000, and ten of last season’s SPL clubs will receive payments of some kind. (Daily Mail)

• Celtic are in talks to sign ex-Cologne centre back Kevin Pelozzi, after the defender quit the German club following threats from hooligan fans. (Daily Record)