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

Scotland recall of Fletcher act of manager trying to keep job says Welsh keeper

Welsh keeper Jason Brown says Craig Levein’s decision to recall Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher is part of a last-ditch bid to keep his job.

The Aberdeen keeper says the Scotland boss has been pressured into the u-turn.

Brown also revealed that he is set to leave the Dons in January due to strained relations with manager Craig Brown. (Record)

Doubts raised over financial viability of newco Rangers

Rangers chairman Malcolm Murray says the club in financially viable despite doubts being raised over the long term financial stability of the newly-formed outfit by an adviser to Bill Miller.

The US businessman carried out due diligence on the oldco in the summer before deciding not to press ahead with the purchase. (Scotsman)

Fellaini out of Scotland clash

Influential Belgian and Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini will not face Scotland next week after pulling out of the Scotland squad due to a knee injury.

The 24-year-old’s withdrawl comes after the news that Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has also withdrawn due to an ankle injury.

Commons called back into Scotland squad

Celtic midfielder Kris Commons has been called into the Scotland squad after Robert Snodgrass and Jordan Rhodes pulled out the national side’s double header against Wales and Belgium due to injury. (Scotsman)

Skacel back training with Hearts

Hearts fans are hopeful that Rudi Skacel could be headed back to the club on a permanent basis after it emerged yesterday that the 33-year-old was back training with the Tynecastle side.

He is without a club after a move to Slavia Prague fell through in the summer. (Scotsman)

Coyle insists Bolton in good place as he departs club

Sacked Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle insists he leaves his successor with a strong platform to build on after losing his job due to a poor start to the Championship season.

The Trotters sit 18th in the table after three wins in their first ten matches. (Scotsman)

Man who brokered Celtic takeover deal takes stake in Glasgow Rocks

David Low has taken a 50 per cent stake in basketball side Glasgow Rocks, who play in the Emirates arena across from Celtic Park, alongside entrepreneur Joe Grimond.

Low played a leading role in brokering the share buying strategy that allowed Fergus McCann to takeover at Celtic in 1994. (Herald)

IN BRIEF

• Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets will miss his side’s Champions League match against Celtic due to suspension after being sent off against Benfica

• Everton manager David Moyes has been awarded Premiership manager of the month for September

• St Johnstone striker Steve MacLean is out for six weeks after dislocating his shoulder during his side’s victory over Dundee

• Brechin City have named former Nottingham Forest star Ray McKinnon as their new manager

• Former Dundee defender Rhys Weston is on trial with Sabah in Malaysia

• Former Livingston defender David McNamee has signed for conference side Nuneaton Town