The Rumour Mill: Thursday’s football news and gossip

Pressure mounts on Houston

• Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson is cutting short a holiday in Florida to fly home for talks with board members and manager Peter Houston following the club’s poor run of form that culminated in a shock League Cup exit at the hands of Falkirk on Tuesday night. (Express)

• Houston is reportedly facing the sack if results do not improve, and former Tannadice player Michael O’Neill has been tipped as a potential successor. (Sun)

• But Houston insists he is ready to lead the club out of their predicament. He said: “It is a tough enough job, but I don’t mind if people have a pop at me. It is me one week, Colin Calderwood the next, then Craig Brown, once I turn this around, which I will do, it will be somebody else. Just because I won the cup I don’t think I am immune to it. I will work harder if I possibly can to make things right.” (Herald)

Lennon rocket fired Celtic to comeback

Celtic goal hero James Forrest has revealed that it took another explosive Neil Lennon half-time rant to shake the side into life at Easter Road last night. Forrest, who scored two goals in Celtic’s second half fightback, said: “We knew it wasn’t up to scratch but the manager certainly let us know that at half-time. He told us in no uncertain terms.” The 20-year-old also said that Lennon had told him to change his boots for the second 45 minutes: “I was wearing mouldies and he wanted me in studs. I don’t know if it made a difference but it makes the gaffer more comfortable.” (Sun)

McGhee interested in Saints job

Former Aberdeen boss Mark McGhee yesterday revealed that he had not applied for the managerial vacancy at St Johnstone, but did not deny that he was interested in possibly going to Perth. After learning that the club’s talks with Sligo Rovers boss Paul Cook had broken down, McGhee said: “St Johnstone are a fantastic club, who have been left a really good legacy by the outgoing manager. I haven’t managed to acquire a new job yet, so I am looking and I’m trying. I still feel I have something to offer.” (Scotsman)

• Meanwhile Paul Cook has rejected reports that he was greedy during his ill-fated talks with St Johnstone. (Mail)

Jelavic praises ‘family’ spirit

Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic believes the side’s togetherness has been crucial in their superb run of away wins in the SPL. He said: “It’s always nice to win games, especially when you’re not conceding goals. The whole team showed that we are like a family. We stick together, especially in central defence with Carlos and Dorin. They are fantastic players and Greegsy has saved us many times.” (Scotsman)

Hearts wage saga could stretch into next week

Hearts players face the prospect of not being paid their overdue wages until next week. Another day passed yesterday without receipt of salaries in bank accounts, and players have been told that the situation could drag on beyond the weekend. (Scotsman)

• Hearts boss Paulo Sergio broke the club’s publicity ban to talk to Portuguese media, revealing his desire to return to his homeland to manage one day. He said: “There are good clubs in Portugal and I am interested in coaching there. I know that, in financial terms, that market is attractive. But I know I must also make it work here to return to Portuguese football. I want to succeed and to win here.” (Sun)

Spartans fear being thrown out of Cup

Spartans could be thrown out of the William Hill Scottish Cup. The non-league club have been contacted by the SFA’s compliance officer, who is investigating the possibility that striker Keith McLeod was ineligible for the tie against Culter, which the Edinburgh outfit won 2-0 on Saturday. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Kari Arnason has told Aberdeen boss Craig Brown that he wants to sign a new long-term deal at Pittodrie. (Mail)

• Motherwell assistant Kenny Black says the club would be keen to sign Stephen Hughes, if the injury-plagued former Norwich player can prove his fitness. (Record)

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