Rumour mill: Brown injury | Robertson

Scott Brown could be out for up to six weeks, meaning he may miss Celtic's European qualifiers. Picture: Robert Perry

Celtic sweat over Captain Scott Brown after injury blow

Celtic have been dealt a European blow after captain Scott Brown was stretchered off in only the second minute of the Bhoys’ 1-1 friendly draw with Rapid Vienna. Brown pulled up just as the match began with a hamstring problem, following an innocuous challenge as he tried to control a bouncing ball. He will have a scan today but boss Ronny Deila fears he could be out of the European qualifiers. He said: “Scott got injured so we will wait and see how the scan goes. It is a worry, you don’t want any injuries, especially to important players. I hope that he that he is back quickly because Scott is a key player.”

Teemu Pukki scored the equaliser against the Austrian club in the 72nd minute after Virgil Van Djik’s first half own goal. (Various)

Celtic have also been busy scouting new players, with the club being linked with a bid for Iraqi wonderkid Humam Tariq. Al-Ahli boss Cosmin Olaroiu claimed the Hoops had made a formal bid for the 18-year-old, however manager Deila says it’s news to him: “There is no transfer news. I have never spoken about any Iraqi players, so that is news for me.” (Sun)

Hull City interested in Dundee United star Andrew Robertson

Hull City are prepared to bid up to £3 million for Dundee United star Andrew Robertson. Steve Bruce is understood to be keen on the defender and is willing to bid high to beat the competition from rivals including West Ham. Hull made verbal contact with United regarding the player last week to discuss a possible price tag for the talented Scotland left back. (Record)

Aberdeen in for David Goodwillie

Aberdeen have revived their bid to sign former Dundee United striker David Goodwillie. The three times capped Scotland hitman is a free agent after leaving Blackburn Rovers. Aberdeen stepped up their interest in a bid to bolster their front line following the exits of Scott Vernon, Josh Magennis and Calvin Zola. The club failed to land their other target Kris Boyd who instead joined Rangers. Dons assistant Tommy Docherty was keeping tight lipped on the matter, he said: “I worked with Goody at Tannadice for a number of years but he’s like the other players that are on the list. Teams are obviously looking at him at the moment. He’s a good player but we have good players here at the moment.” (Express)

Teenage striker Lawrence Shankland scored Aberdeen’s winner in their warm up match with Peterhead, scoring after 61 minutes to secure the Dons’ win. (Sun)

Boyd scores in Rangers return

Kris Boyd came off the bench to score on his second Rangers debut against Brora Rangers yesterday as the Highland League outfit held the Gers to a draw. Rangers assistant Kenny McDowell was delighted with his striker’s performance, adding: “That’s Kris Boyd isn’t it? That’s what we know he can do and that’s why we’ve brought him back. I’m delighted he has re-started his Rangers career and I’m sure we are in for a lot more of that.” Rangers also introduced trialist Marius Zaliukas, who is thought to be close to agreeing a deal with the club. McDowell said: “He’s looking fit and we’re delighted to have him.” (Express)

Scott Robinson injury fears allayed

Scott Robertson was last night relieved to discover the suspected broken shin he received in Hearts friendly win was just heavy bruising. Sam Nicholson’s goal was cancelled out by Kamil Bilinski’s leveller before Gary Oliver secured the first win for manager Robbie Neilson.

Trialist Prince Bauben featured and Neilson was happy with his performance, saying: “I’ve spoken to Prince about coming back up so hopefully he will come up some time next week. We’ll see him in training and then make a decision on him.” (Express)

News in brief:

• Scotland B cap goalkeeper Scott Shearer has signed for Crewe Alexandra on a two year deal. (Express)

• Hibernian have appointed John Doolan as first team coach. The former Wigan under-18 coach previously worked with Stubbs at Everton. (Express)

• Former Celtic star Gary Hooper is a £5m target for QPR. (Sun)

• Wigan have signalled their intention to keep Scottish duo James McArthur and Shaun Maloney by saying that despite interest the two are not for sale. (Sun)

Rumour mill: Brown injury | Robertson | Aberdeen