Rumour Mill: Celtic v Ajax | Bergkamp

Celtic captain Scott Brown and Hibernian's Rowan Vine challenge for the ball during Saturday's 1-1 draw. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Rowan Vine in Shearer kick rant at Neil Lennon

Hibernian striker Rowan Vine joined team-mate Michael Nelson’s criticism of complaints from Neil Lennon that the Easter Road outfit had been overly physical during their 1-1 draw. But Vine took things a step further on Twitter when he threatened to have his “mate” Alan Shearer “send him another Umbro Speciali in the dish if he don’t pipe down [sic]”, a reference to an infamous clash in 1998 between the then-Newcastle striker and Lennon while at Leicester. Vine later apologised to the Celtic manager, who had earlier called one of Vine’s tackles during the game ‘rugby-esque’. (Daily Record)

Dennis Bergkamp fears Ajax are too soft

Former Ajax and Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp has cast doubt on Ajax’s ability to overcome Celtic on Tuesday. Bergkamp, who is a coach at the Eredivisie side, said: “When you are a youth team player all the solutions are presented to you, there are no problems.

“In the first team you have other players looking for you to come up with solutions. Therefore you may miss an a**hole in your team, someone who mainly has guts. I was a different type of player from Marco van Basten and Bryan Roy at Ajax, but I had guts and I had courage.” (The Sun)

Ajax captain prepared for Celtic strong-arm tactics

Ajax captain Siem de Jong says Ajax are prepared to handle Celtic’s physical approach at Parkhead. Ajax, who have only picked up one point from their first two games of the Champions League campaign, will look to avoid Celtic’s “power game”, according to De Jong.

“I’m expecting a really aggressive game from Celtic. I believe they will fight and make it hard for us to play and fight for every ball. Celtic have strength and power within their team, so we have to try and play our own game because their style is not the way we would usually play.” (The Sun)

Paul Shackleton: Rangers need stability

Rangers advisor Paul Shackleton claims he is “doing everything” he can to bring “stability” to the beleaguered Ibrox club.

Amid an ongoing battle for control of the Scottish League One leaders, Craig Mather resigned his post as chief executive by “mutual consent” last week, with non-executive board member Bryan Smart also standing down.

The latest departures followed those of non-executive director Ian Hart and chairman Walter Smith to leave just two board members of Rangers International in situ – finance director Brian Stockbridge and non-executive director James Easdale.

Shackleton, from Daniel Stewart, the club’s nominated advisors, admits having just two directors is “not suitable” and is busy trying to find a resolution to the Govan club’s boardroom problems. (Scotsman)

Celtic consider swoop for Dutch keeper Warner Hahn

Celtic are considering a bid for Dutch U21 international goalkeeper Warner Hahn, according to The Sun. The FC Dordrecht goalkeeper is out of contract at the end of the season, and has impressed Neil Lennon’s scouts sufficiently to make Celtic consider providing back-up to the club’s number one goalkeeper, Fraser Forster. The highly-rated 21-year-old is also being sought after by Feyenoord, NAC Breda and Roda JC. (The Sun)

Kilmarnock’s Rabiu Ibrahim kept in hospital after collapse

Kilmarnock’s Rabiu Ibrahim was kept in hospital overnight as doctors tried to identify the cause behind the midfielder’s collapse during Saturday’s 2-0 win over Ross County. The 23-year-old Nigerian slumped to the ground in the first half and was carried off on a stretcher with his eyes reportedly rolling. Manager Allan Johnston said: “They’re keeping him in tonight to do further tests. He’s feeling fine, so, hopefully, that is a good sign.” (Daily Express)

Alex McLeish praises Frank de Boer

Former Rangers manager Alex McLeish has heaped praise on Ajax manager Frank de Boer, praising his tactical maturity while also adding he was “a wee bit more modest than his brother [Ronald].”

McLeish said: “The two of them knew they were terrific players but the big difference between them was Ronald told you he was brilliant.

“After a game Ronald would say Barry Ferguson was fantastic but I was easily man of the match. Frank was the quieter twin. He was calm and composed and just an all-round nice guy.” (Daily Express)

Somebody at Rangers said the other day that the story of the club’s power struggle – the disappearing directors and the abject lack of corporate governance – had become so farcical that it was almost beyond parody at this point. Almost.

This, therefore, is an exclusive – sorry, invented – interview with some of the key players in this tortuous saga.

“James and Sandy Easdale, thanks for granting us an audience. I know you don’t like the limelight…”

“Can I interject here, please…”

“And you are?”

“Just call me The Source.”

“The Source?”

“Aye. Can you direct all your questions to me, thanks. Sandy and Jamesie don’t have anything to say.”

“We can speak for ourselves...”

“No, you can’t. Leave it to me. I am The Source.”

 READ THE REST OF TOM ENGLISH’S COLUMN HERE >>

Rumour Mill: Celtic v Ajax | Bergkamp | Rowan Vine