Rumour Mill: Ally McCoist | Aleksander Tonev

McCoist internet departure rumours unfounded

Former Rangers manager Walter Smith has backed Ally McCoist to lead the Ibrox side back into the top flight of Scottish football following online rumours that he had been sacked from his post.

Twitter was rife with stories of McCoist being summoned to late night talks with the Rangers hierarchy following his side’s 2 - 1 loss to Hearts.

• Ally McCoist has branded Charles Green an unwanted “sideshow” for Rangers and criticised the timing of the controversial Yorkshire businessman’s latest proposed level of involvement with the Ibrox club.

After watching his team suffer a 2-1 defeat at home to Hearts in the first match of their Championship campaign, Rangers manager McCoist was quizzed about Green’s claim he is fronting a £10 million investment in the club backed by American businessman George Soros. (Scotsman)

Celtic take Tonev on loan

The Parkhead side have taken Aston Villa’s Aleksander Tonev on a one-year loan deal from Aston Villa.

The Bulgarian was a former signing target of previous Parkhead manager Neil Lennon however the 24 year-old was snapped up by Villa boss Paul Lambert from CSKA Sofia last season. (Scotsman)

Gauld was on Celtic’s radar - Lennon

Former Celtic manager says ex-Dundee United and now Benfica starlet Ryan Gauld was on his signing shortlist before his £3m move to Portugal however the now departed Parkhead manager said he did not make a move as he felt the 18 year-old wasn’t ready to make the step up. (Sun)

Legia demand replay in letter to Celtic

Legia Warsaw co-owner Dariusz Mioduski’s impassioned open letter to Celtic asking for a meeting in Glasgow to discuss whether the Poles should in the “spirit of the game and rules of fair play” be reinstated to the Champions League was last night given short shrift by the Parkhead club.

A blunt statement on Celtic’s website read: “We are disappointed by Legia Warsaw’s comments. This is entirely a matter for Uefa and its processes.

Accordingly, we will reserve further comment for the appropriate time.” (Scotsman)

Fraser Forster bids farewell to Celtic

Departed Celtic keeper Fraser Forster says the chance to play in the England Premier League with Southampton was too good to turn down after he completed his £10m move from Parkhead.

He said: “I want to thank the club and the Celtic fans for all they have given me over the past four years. It’s been a wonderful honour to play for one of the world’s greatest football clubs and I wish everyone at Celtic and the supporters every success in the future.” (Express)

Tommy Wright set to sign new deal

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright is on the verge of signing a three year deal with the Perth side after the club lifted the Scottish Cup for the first time last season.

Negotiations have been ongoing over the summer since Wright guided his side to victory over Dundee United at Parkhead and a deal is reported to be imminent. (Express)

Rumour Mill: Ally McCoist | Aleksander Tonev | Ryan Gauld