Rumour Mill: Celtic | Rangers

Leigh Griffiths is eyeing a starting berth against Inter. Picture: SNS

Griffiths keen for Inter start

CELTIC striker Leigh Griffiths is desperately hoping to get the nod ahead of John Guidetti in the starting XI to face Inter but knows Ronny Deila faces a tough choice.

‘Sparky’ netted after just 35 seconds as Celtic saw off St Johnstone at the weekend, but with the Swedish striker now eligible for European matches, Deila has a wealth of options at his disposal.

Griffiths said: “The manager had a difficult decision to make with me coming back in or John.

“But he struck with me, and I managed to repay him within 45 seconds, so I’m happy.” (Evening Times)

Rangers facilities offer to Inter

RANGERS are to offer Inter the use of their training facilities in the lead-up to the Italian side’s Europa League match at Celtic Park.

The Ibrox side let Inter’s Serie A rivals Juventus use Murray Park prior to their 3-0 win over Celtic in 2013.

At the time, Kris Commons said: “If [Juventus] want to prepare at a Division Three training ground let them get on with it.”

Roberto Mancini said after Inter’s 4-1 win over Atalanta at the weekend: “Yes, training at Rangers is an option. We will decide on Thursday morning.” (The Scotsman)

Rangers in flag mix-up over Haris Vuckic promo

SOMEONE at Rangers will be left with a red face this week after it emerged a promo photo featuring Newcastle loan signing Haris Vuckic carried the wrong flag.

Slovenian international Vuckic was shown on a background featuring the Slovakian flag.

Ibrox has been home to Slovakian nationals in the past, most notably Vladimir Weiss and Filip Sebo, whereas Vukcic is the first Slovenian to wear the light blue. (Various)

Artemis and Miton ‘no longer hold shares’

TWO Rangers shareholders no longer hold shares, the stock exchange has announced.

Artemis Investment Management LLP, who owned 243,038 shares (around 0.30 per cent) and Miton Group are the two that no longer hold ‘ordinary shares in the capital of the Company’.

Artemis Investment Management is a leading UK investment manager, based in Edinburgh. As of January 31 2015, it managed £20.9 billion of assets, with its clients including retail investors, financial advisers and pension funds.

(London Stock Exchange)

Collum in spotlight over Hamilton-Aberdeen match

WILLIE Collum has hit the headlines once again after Hamilton’s 3-0 loss to Aberdeen at New Douglas Park.

The whistler and his assistant David McGeachie failed to give a goal after Adam Rooney’s effort crashed off the underside of the crossbar and over the line with Aberdeen 2-0 up.

Collum also gave a free kick to Hamilton after Jesus Garcia Tena wrestled Rooney to the floor in the box, although the Spaniard was later sent off for two bookable offences.

And the referee’s other assistant, Dougie Potter, flagged David Goodwillie offside when the striker was around three yards onside, denying him a goal.

Collum - considered one of Scotland’s top officials - was rested for two rounds of Premiership fixtures in January following a number of poor decisions that saw two red cards overturned. (The Scotsman)

Nicholson fires warning at Talbot after kung-fu kick

SAM Nicholson has told Livingston defender Jason Talbot that he won’t forget the challenge that left the 20-year-old needing four stitches.

Nicholson felt the full force of Talbot’s boot in his face, leavinh im with a swollen cheekbone, gashed head and burst lip - but the Livi skipper was only shown a yellow card.

Although later slapped with a two-match ban after the SFA’s compliance officer viewed the footage, Talbot stayed on the park.

And Nicholson told The Sun: “I can’t actually remember getting hit but I do remember lying on the ground. That was after I tried to stand up but I fell back and our physio caught me.

“He told me I was bleeding and I thought my nose was broken again because it’s happened a few times.

“It was a terrible tackle, I’m lucky my head’s still on my shoulders. I don’t know how anyone could do that to another player.” (The Sun)

News in brief

• Gary Teale has blasted St Mirren after their showing against Inverness, calling it the ‘worst display of his reign’

• Alex Harris believes Dundee can seal a spot in the top six

• Jim Goodwin fears St Mirren’s survival fight will go down to the wire

Rumour Mill: Celtic | Rangers | Willie Collum