Rumour Mill: Celtic | Joe Ledley | Kyle Lafferty

Ex-Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty is told he can leave FC Sion, while new Rangers signing Cammy Bell opens up about his move to Ibrox

Kyle Lafferty is set to leave FC Sion after being singled out for criticism by the club chairman. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Kyle Lafferty is ‘useless’ and can leave Sion FC, says chairman

Former Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty has been told his career at Swiss side FC Sion is over.

The Northern Ireland international is the latest ex-Ibrox star to be axed by the club after Rino Gattuso, who was sacked as manager last week.

Sion signed Lafferty on a three-year deal last summer from Rangers, but a 5-0 defeat to St Gallen enraged chairman Christian Constantin, who blamed the striker and four other players for the side’s poor display.

“I won’t agree to their involvement in the team again. With regards to Lafferty, I accept he has had injuries which have affected him mentally and physically, but I’m still angry with him. He will work with our fitness coach because he is no use to us just now.” (The Sun on Sunday)

Cammy Bell: I want to emulate Andy Goram

Soon-to-be Rangers recruit Cammy Bell has said he wants to fire Rangers to the top of the league and emulate Andy Goram in the process.

Having finally put pen to paper, the goalkeeper, will be registered as a trialist until Rangers’ transfer embaro is ilfted on September 1.

THe 26-year-old said: “Rangers is a club that’s close to my heart. I supported them as a kid.

“I stepped back from that because I loved playing for Kilmarnock. But I’d always get Rangers outfield tops when I was younger. I’d make sure my folks got me the latest one so I had quite a few. I remember the puriple one. I’ve still got it somewhere in the loft.

“Stuff like that stays with you and it’s an honour to be signing for a club like Rangers now.”

Of Goram, he added: “I saw him make some great saves and he inspired me. I’d love to be able to do what he did.” (The Sun on Sunday)

Champions League rather than relegation battle, says Joe Ledley

Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley has pledged his commitment to Celtic after brushing off suggestions a move to England would tempt him away. The Welshman has one more year on his Parkhead contract, but the former Cardiff playmaker insists that the allure of Champions League football is far greater than a relegation dogfight in the Premiership.

““There is enough in Scotland to satisfy me. Definitely. I’ve been here three years and fell in love with the club when I came up to take a look at it.

“I knew I’d be here for a long time. It’s a massive club. That’s why I signed a long deal. I get on well with the coaching staff and the players. I’m happy here.

“It’s been great to play in Europe. The Champions League is the best competition in the world.

“You don’t want to go to the Premiership to play for a team that’s struggling week-in, week-out. There’s no fun in that.” (Daily Record)

Neil Lennon fears Fraser Forster departure

Fraser Forster could leave Celtic to fulfill his international ambitions, manager Neil Lennon has admitted.

Lennon’s concerns centre around the goalkeeper’s ommission from the latest England squad. Roy Hodgson has selected Joe Hart, Ben Foster and Alex McCarthy ahead of the former Newcastle keeper, and Lennon fears that Forster may move elsewhere to realise his international ambitions.

“Yes, it is a ?concern. I don’t pick the England squad but I am disappointed for Fraser.

“He has the Scottish Cup Final here to ?concentrate on and that is plenty for him to look forward to.

“In terms of his England prospects, I’m not convinced it has done any serious damage to him. But I am worried that people may feel he has to go and play at a higher level to ?maintain his spot in the England squad.

“It is a concern for me – that is the reality. He has been outstanding for us and has shown the calibre of keeper he is. They know what he is like and know what he can do.

“Maybe they feel he has to play at a higher level on a more consistent basis. We have to try to give him that with Champions League qualification next season.” (The Scotsman, Daily Record)

Sheffield United to swoop for Stuart McCall

Sheffield United are preparing to bid for Motherwell’s Stuart McCall over their managerial vacancy - a move has received the blessing of one of his current charges, Tom Hateley.

The League One side have drawn up a shortlist of seven players to replace Danny Wilson that includes McCall.

Full back Hateley said: “I don’t think anyone can argue, the gaffer has earned the interest he is getting. 
“He’s one of the best managers I’ve worked under and I’ve had a few, even at Motherwell.

“He’s done well and deserves the interest he’s getting. He’s a great manager, his team talks are brilliant - and he’s just incredible with all the boys.” (The Sunday Sun)