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

Mulgrew a doubt for Scotland’s match against Serbia

No decision has been taken on whether Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew will feature in Scotland’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia on Saturday.

The Scotland cap returned to his club side for treatment on an achillies injury which ruled him out of the Parkhead side’s 2 - 2 draw with Hibs however his name remains in Craig Levein’s squad list. (Scotsman)

• New cap Paul Dixon could be drafed in to the starting 11 to face Serbia as a replacement for Charlie Mulgrew. The Huddersfield defender was called into the squad late on Monday night. (Mail)

Lennon warning over injured Brown

Celtic boss Neil Lennon says Scott Brown’s degenerative hip condition means he will be unable to play consecutive games at the weekend and in midweek meaning that he will be unlikely to play in both halves of Scotland’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia. (Scotsman)

Forrest can’t remember Scots qualifying for last tournament

Celtic winger James Forrest says Scotland owe it to their fans to qualify for Brazil after failing to reach the finals of a major tournament since France 1998.

Forrest was only six when the Scots played in their last World Cup and says he has little recollection. (Scotsman)

Scotland in best shape yet vows Naismith

Everton striker Steven Naismith says Scotland are at their strongest yet since Craig Levein took over as Scotland manager from Craig Burley in 2009.

Naismith says he is confident Scotland can prove themselves in a tough qualifying group which includes Belgium, Wales and Croatia. (Scotsman)

Rhodes backed for record

Dennis Law believes Jordan Rhodes has the potential to be the striker that finally beats his 30 goal record for Scotland.

The Lawman hung up his boots in 1974 and even though Kenny Dalglish equalled his record ten years later no Scottish player has beaten it since. (Scotsman)

Rankings don’t favour Scots

Craig Levein’s side are the second worst team in their group according to FIFA’s latest ranking. Scotland are set to be listed at 47 - down one place.

Belgium are at 40, Wales are at 45 with Croatia at 9 and Serbia at 42. (Express)

Champions League allure benefiting Celtic - Lennon

Celtic boss Neil Lennon says his side’s qualification for the Champions League means that it has become easier to attract players to Parkhead.

The Parkhead manager believes Celtic now has a greater pull than many Premiership teams.

Celtic have signed Nigerian defender Efe Ambrose, Tunisian forward Lassad Nouioui and Venezuelan striker Nicolas Fedor. (Scotsman)

• Lennon also said Celtic’s Champions League windfall will help finance deals for some of the club’s promising players. Talks are reported to be under way with Victor Wanyama, Joe Ledley, Gary Hooper, Thomas Rogne and Charlie Mulgrew. (Express)

Fletcher moves step closer to comeback

Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher has been named in Manchester United’s 25 man Champions League squad fuelling hopes that he could be on the verge of a comeback.

The Manchester United star played in Neil Simpson’s Aberdeen benefit match and also accompanied the Scotland squad to Australia.

Fletcher took a break from football nine months ago after being diagnosed with a chronic bowel condition. (Express)

Falirk boss in crisis talks

 Steven Pressley is to hold talks with the Falkirk chairman Martin Ritchie following a poor start to the season which has seen the Bairns lose five out of their six opening games. (Express)

• Falkirk chairman Martin Ritchie says the financial boost of being drawn to play Rangers in the league cup allowed them to sign striker Sean Higgins

IN BRIEF

• Rumoured Celtic target Michael Owen has signed a one-year contract with Stoke City

• Sam Stanton has signed a new three-year year deal with Hibs

• New Celtic signing Fedor said he turned down moves to Reading and Swansea to join Neil Lennon’s side

• Former Rangers player Kirk Broadfoot has hailed Blackpool as a “special club” after signing until the end of the season