Rumour Mill: Aatif Chahechouhe | Mark Warburton

Aatif Chahechouhe in action for Sivasspor. Picture: Contributed

Euro 2016 highlights: Scotland earn vital point in Dublin

SHAUN Maloney was the hero again as his deflected goal against Ireland in Dublin kept Scotland’s Euro 2016 hopes alive, after Jon Walters had opened the scoring for Martin O’Neill’s men.

Celtic to battle Napoli for Chahechouhe

CELTIC face competition from Serie A giants Napoli in the race to land Moroccan midfielder Aatif Chahechouhe, according to reports in Italy.

The 28-year-old has been in fine form for Turkish side Sivasspor, and the Hoops were linked with the French-born star earlier this year, with Bordeaux and Trabzonspor also credited with an interest in Chahechouhe.

But Napoli’s interest could push the Moroccan’s price tag to over £3.5 million, after Sivasspor knocked back a bid in that region from an unnamed Russian club.

Despite a slow start to his career, Chahechouhe began to show glimpses of his talent while at Nancy, before joining Bulgarian outfit Chernomorets Burgas, where he scored 10 in 15 before transferring to Sivasspor, where he has netted 36 goals in 95 appearances. (Various)

Barry Douglas focused on Scotland, not Celtic

BARRY Douglas has insisted he is not letting himself be distracted by transfer talk linking him with Celtic, insisting: “My aim is to get the attention of Gordon Strachan.”

Douglas, who helped Lech Poznan to the Ekstraklasa title earlier this month, told Polish sports site Onet that he was keen on playing in the Champions League - a realistic target given Poznan’s title win - as well as making his Scotland debut.

Douglas played 27 times for Poznan this season, scoring three goals in the process. (Onet)

Ikechi Anya refuses to rule out Celtic switch

SCOTLAND winger Ikechi Anya has refused to rule out returning home to Glasgow with Celtic, after the Hoops were linked with a £2m swoop for the 27-year-old Watford midfielder.

Anya, who featured in the second half of the 1-1 draw with Ireland, has hinted that he would be open to a move away from Vicarage Road, saying: “Whenever any team is linked with you it means you are doing something right.

“I don’t know anything about it. I just try to keep my mind on the football because that’s what I love. I just want to see how far I can go.” (Daily Express)

Warburton set to be unveiled as Gers boss

MARK Warburton is poised to be confirmed as the 15th permanent manager of Rangers today and will immediately set about rebuilding a team shorn of personnel and confidence.

The former Brentford boss is expected to be unveiled at a press conference at Ibrox this afternoon where he will set out his plans for rehabilitating a club diminished by years of financial mismanagement.

David Weir, a former Rangers captain, is likely to be his assistant with the pair set to sign three-year contracts.

Their immediate goal will be to re-establish Rangers as a top-flight club after four seasons in the lower divisions. Promotion next season is imperative for the new management team, who will also be expected to bridge the considerable gap between themselves and Celtic. (The Scotsman)

McCall tells Warburton: You’re a lucky man

STUART McCall reckons Mark Warburton is the ‘luckiest man alive’ after the former Brentford boss was all but named as the new Rangers gaffer.

McCall insists there are no sour grapes after his three-month stint in charge of the Ibrox club. (Daily Record)

Boyle signs permanent Hibs deal

HIBERNIAN have completed the signing of versatile winger Martin Boyle on a two-year deal, the club has confirmed.

Boyle, who spent the second half of last season on loan at the Easter Road club, scored three goals in 17 matches as he helped Hibs to second in the Championship.

However, an injury sustained in the final league match of the season ruled him out of the play-offs. (BBC)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• St Johnstone look set to miss out on Joe Gormley, with Peterborough United the favourites to land the Cliftonville striker

• St Mirren’s John McGinn is taking legal action over the training ground prank that saw him suffer a season-ending injury

• Dundee are set to loan out Craig Wighton to Raith Rovers next season to allow the youngster to gain more experience

• James McCarthy has denied claims he deserved a red card for his challenge on Russell Martin, claiming that he went for the ball

Rumour Mill: Aatif Chahechouhe | Mark Warburton | Barry Douglas