Rumour Mill: Celtic | Hibs | Hearts

Sore winner: Virgil van Dijk challenges Ajax's Joel Veltman last night. Picture: Getty

Rangers appoint David Somers as acting chairman

Rangers have announced that David Somers will be acting chairman of the company.

The appointment of the 65-year-old was announced to the London Stock Exchange this morning.

In a statement to the LSE, Rangers said Somers had “considerable experience” in corporate governance.

Somers will act as an independent non-executive director of the company and acting chairman.

Rangers also announced the date of their AGM, which will be held on Thursday December 19, but the appointment may be overturned at the AGM with Dave King waiting in the wings (STV)

Virgil van Dijk: We weren’t good enough

Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk has admitted that his side were no match for Ajax as they slid to a 1-0 defeat last night. Though the Dutchman said Celtic still have a chance of claiming second spot in Group H, the centre-back said: “Before the goal was scored we weren’t good enough. I don’t know what went wrong. It’s difficult to say, maybe some players were nervous. After the goal it was a good performance but this was definitely a missed opportunity.” (Daily Record)

Ajax v Celtic analysis: Commons gamble falls flat

“To play Kris Commons or accept that he couldn’t possibly be match fit having not played since departing with a hamstring strain against Hibs just over a fortnight ago? This was the call Lennon had to make. He opted to start the midfielder and there were few dissenting voices before the game.

“After all, Commons is a rare player and one who helps Celtic tick. But there was a niggling worry provoked by the news that he would definitely start. Can he manage to step straight back into the groove in the Champions League of all places? Commons, more than most, excels when on a run of games.” (Scotsman)

Hibs confident of securing Terry Butcher after talks

Hibernian have opened talks with Terry Butcher over the managerial vacancy at Easter Road and remain confident they can persuade him to take the job.

it is understood the initial talks between the Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager and Hibs chairman Rod Petrie yesterday were positive, although no agreement has been reached yet.

Hibs received permission from Inverness chairman Kenny Cameron on Tuesday to speak to Butcher, although the Highland club are still hopeful they can hold on to the former Rangers and England captain. (Scotsman)

Hibs fans give Rod Petrie manager ultimatum

Hibernian fans boss Mike Riley has told chairman Rod Petrie that the appointment of the next Easter Road manager is his final chance to win over weary supporters.

Riley, chairman of the Hibs Supporters Association, claims it is the man at the top with whom the capital club’s faithful are running out of patience. He said: “The fact we have been through so many managers in the last few years is a big concern to everyone who supports Hibs. The managers can’t all be wrong and somebody has to take responsibility for that. Perhaps we need a director of football.

“I think we’re already at the point where if Petrie doesn’t get it right with Butcher there will be an almighty outcry.” (Scotsman)

Juventus targeting 17-year-old Hearts prospect

Hearts defender Jordan McGhee is being monitored by Juventus, according to reports. Alongside a number of English Championship clubs, the Italian giants are keeping tabs on the 17-year-old. Javier Ribalta, the Serie A side’s chief scout, was seen at Easter Road casting an eye over the Scotland U21 international, who helped Hearts to a 1-0 win over Hibs. (Daily Express)

Suspected cheek fracture for Rangers’ Andy Little

Rangers manager Ally McCoist fears Andy Little could be sidelined for months after suffering a suspected fractured cheekbone.

The Northern Ireland international left the pitch on a stretcher and wearing a neck brace following a clash of heads during last night’s 3-1 win over Dunfermline at Ibrox.

The forward has been taking to hospital, believed to be the nearby Southern General, where scans will reveal the full extent of the injury. McCoist said: “He doesn’t look good. I’m going up to the hospital to see him. (Scotsman)

Chick Young: I was asked to pull Jordan and Fernando Ricksen apart

Broadcaster Chick Young has revealed how he was once asked by Alex McLeish to get glamour model Jordan away from Fernando Ricksen. Young, who was attending a function with McLeish and Ricksen, said the model - now known as Katie Price - was also present.

He wrote: “I was hosting an evening called ‘The Hottest Night of the Year’. It was meant to be about Indian curry.

“But then Jordan - not Joe, but the woman made of Tupperware who re-re-invented herself as Katie Price having been exactly that in the first place - decided it was a reference to how she felt about the then Rangers player.

“It’s a long story, but at one point McLeish told me to “get that woman away from my f****** player. As you might understand I kind of saw this task the equivalent of trying to get a lion off a wounded antelope.” (Daily Express)

Rumour Mill: Celtic | Hibs | Hearts | Rangers