Rumour Mill: Ally McCoist | Adam Matthews

Adam Matthews injured his collarbone against Motherwell on Saturday. Picture: SNS

Ally McCoist confronted director about sacking plot

Ally McCoist uncovered a bid to have him removed as Rangers manager - by confronting a director who had allegedly planned to have him sacked. The unnamed director is understood to have expressed a desire to unseat McCoist after Rangers lost to Forfar in the League Cup. Another director had told McCoist of a conversation in which the anonymous director had suggested the Rangers manager be sacked. The same director had earlier given McCoist personal assurances that calmness and stability were paramount in the wake of the Forfar defeat. McCoist is then said to have phoned the director in question, who denied any such conversation had taken place. (The Sun)

Celtic’s Adam Matthews awaits injury verdict

Adam Matthews is set to find out whether a collarbone injury sustained on Saturday will keep him out of action for the rest of the year. The Welshman fell awkwardly after a tangle with Motherwell’s Keith Lasley two days ago, and will see a specialist this morning to determine whether or not an operation will be necessary. If surgery is required, Matthews is expected to miss the remainder of Celtic’s Champions League games in the group stage. (Daily Record)

Alexander Buttner in Celtic’s sights

Manchester United full-back Alexander Buttner has been told he may leave the club in January. David Moyes initially resisted a bid from Celtic to take the Dutchman on loan in the summer in the wake of a failed bid for Everton’s Leighton Baines, but a fresh bid for the England defender may see Buttner fall back into contention for a switch to Parkhead. Fears over Matthew Adams’ fitness have compounded Celtic’s need for cover in the position. (The Sun)

James Forrest ready for action after illness

Celtic winger James Forrest has said he is ready to feature for Celtic after being laid low by a mystery illness which saw him hospitalised. The Scotland international missed Celtic’s opening Champions League tie against AC Milan, and was sent to hospital after suffering from a mystery illness. However, substitute appearances against Motherwell on Saturday and a late appearance against Barcelona last week have put Forrest back in contention for a starting place against Hibernian on 19 October, and a Champions League tie against Ajax later this month. (Scotsman)

Rangers goals should not have stood - Roberts

Ayr United player manager Mark Roberts has claimed that Rangers’ two goals against his side should not have stood. Ally McCoist’s men emerged 2-0 victors at Somerset Park, but Roberts believes neither goal should have counted. He said that Lewis Macleod’s overhead kick was dangerous play, while Bilel Mohsni’s goal was the result of a free kick that should not have been given.

On the second goal, Roberts said: “Kevin Kyle was pulled up in the first half for putting his feet into Ian Black, who is about 2ft 3in. He gets pulled up for that but someone can overhead kick the ball in the box at head height.” (Daily Mail)

IN BRIEF

• Liverpool are monitoring Dundee United player Andrew Robertson. Despite being contracted at Tannadice until 2016, Liverpool are thought to be keen on the 19-year-old. (The Sun)

• Alex McLeish may be set for a return to management with the Republic of Ireland. Following Giovanni Trapattoni’s departure, reports suggest that the former Scotland, Rangers and Birmingham manager has been shortlisted alongside Martin O’Neill and Dick Advocaat. (The Sun)

• Neil Lennon has told his players to empty their wallets after the Celtic manager successfully completed the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow. Lennon ran the 10k event in 54mins 49secs to raise money for St Margaret’s Hospice in Glasgow.

“I’m going to fine the players a lot of money,” Lennon quipped. “I don’t know how much I’ve raised yet but it will be a lot more tomorrow.” (Record)

Rumour Mill: Ally McCoist | Adam Matthews | Celtic