Rumour Mill: Dave King | Scotland captain

Scotland captain Scott Brown. Picture: Jane Barlow

Dave King set to meet fans face-to-face

POTENTIAL Rangers investor Dave King is set to fly to Glasgow to meet with supporters’ groups, following a statement yesterday calling for fans to put off buying season tickets.

In the statement, King called for fans to plough their cash into the club through a fund he will establish, warning that Celtic will dominate in Scotland unless vast sums are spent.

King said: “If we cut our costs to suit our present income, we will remain a small club and Celtic will shoot through ten in a row – and beyond – while we slug it out for the minor places.” (Mail/Sun)

Rangers goalie McCrorie wanted by English giants

MANCHESTER United, Manchester City and Chelsea are all reportedly interested in Rangers youth star Robby McCrorie.

15-year-old keeper McCrorie is apparently under scrutiny from a host of top clubs, including the three Premier League giants.

The Sun claim that David Moyes’ side are set to make a firm offer to Rangers in the coming days. (Sun)

Brown unclear on Scotland captaincy

SCOTT Brown has admitted that he does not know whether he will have to hand over the Scotland captaincy to Darren Fletcher.

The Manchester United midfielder was the skipper of the national side before his extended absence due to a bowel condition, with Brown taking over in his absence.

The Celtic captain said: “(Fletcher)’s up there with some of the best I’ve ever played with. I’m not too sure what will happen with the captaincy, I’m sure the gaffer will let us know.” (Record)

‘Invincibles’ anger sparked Lennon rant - Hayes

ABERDEEN midfielder Jonny Hayes believes Celtic manager Neil Lennon’s anger after his side’s loss at Pittodrie was partly down to their dream of an unbeaten season coming to an end.

Hayes said: “That was a big thing for them so it’s maybe that… I wouldn’t say it was sour grapes. Every manager feels aggrieved when they lose, especially when decisions go against them.”

Lennon criticised referee Craig Thomson after Tuesday’s game, in which Virgil van Dijk was sent off. (Express)

Rankin: ‘United on verge of glory’

DUNDEE United midfielder John Rankin reckons the club could be set for real success in the near future.

Rankin, who has made over 100 appearances for the Tannadice side, signed a two-year contract extension yesterday.

He said: “There is a positive vibe around Tannadice and we can achieve things in the near future. I think we are now ready to go to the next level.” (Mail)

Lennon, Adams charged by SFA

ST Mirren and Ross County managers Danny Lennon and Derek Adams have been charged with misconduct by the SFA after their touchline fracas in Saturday’s game.

The duo face charges of threatening one another, with Lennon also charged with “the repeated use of offensive, insulting and abusive language”.

Jim Goodwin, the Sr Mirren captain whose challenge of Melvin de Leeuw sparked the altercation, will avoid further punishment. (Various)

SPFL video: Goals, skills and funnies

TOP GOALS

• Gavin Gunning’s free-kick from 30 yards out against Motherwell on Friday night for Dundee United

• Leigh Griffiths scores his first goal for Celtic at Hearts, and celebrates in front of the home support

• Sheffield United’s Lyle Taylor controls an aerial pass superbly before slotting the ball past Aberdeen’s Jamie Langfield for Partick Thistle:

• December’s Young Player of the Month John McGinn curls the ball into the top corner for St Mirren against Ross County

SKILLS AND FUNNIES

• Nigel Hasselbaink will want to forget this golden opportunity that he missed for St Johnstone in their defeat at home to Inverness CT

• Ross County’s Jordan Slew vanishes over an advertising board in their match against St Mirren

• Dundee United’s Nadir Ciftci shows some impressive skills in their match against Motherwell:

Rumour Mill: Dave King | Scotland captain | Celtic