Rumour Mill: Fraser Forster | Scotland | Rangers

Fraser Forster dives to save from Neymar in this season's Champions League. Picture: Robert Perry

CELTIC’S goalkeeper may have to leave to get a World Cup spot, the national team could be forced to play two tough friendlies, and Tony Watt could be out at his Belgian loan club, plus more news and reaction in Sunday’s Rumour Mill

Forster ‘must leave Celtic for World Cup place’

FRASER Forster is reportedly set to lose out on a place in the England squad for the World Cup unless he leaves Celtic.

According to The Sun, Roy Hodgson is concerned at the level of competition which Forster will face in the run-up to the tournament in Brazil.

Forster has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Glasgow, with Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta describing the keeper as an ideal replacement for Victor Valdes. (Sun)

Rangers set to wield axe in transfer window

A NUMBER of fringe players at Rangers - including David Templeton, Steven Smith and Dean Shiels - could be shown the door in January as the club look to step their losses.

Rangers CEO Graham Wallace said: “We have some players not featuring as regularly as others and we will look at whether they have a long-term place here.

“But we are not in the business of going into a fire sale.” (Express)

Scotland could be forced into French friendlies

A BIZARRE UEFA plan could see Scotland play home-and-away friendlies against France in the middle of the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

There will be eight qualifying groups each featuring six teams, with a ninth group containing five. The governing body’s plan to force France - who are hosting the tournament - to play friendlies against each of the teams in the five-team group is designed to increase the revenue from TV rights. (Express)

Lierse set to cut Watt loose

CELTIC striker Tony Watt appears set to have his problem-hit loan to Belgian club Lierse cut short.

Lierse boss Stanley Menzo said: “It’s clear to me at present Tony does not know what he’s doing.” He added: “You can’t keep talking to someone who doesn’t want to listen.”

Watt has been dismissed from training twice during his spell in Belgium, criticised for his weight and conditioning, and was sent off 30 seconds after coming on as a sub earlier this year. (Herald)

Malcolm Murray: Rangers need £10m

RANGERS need a cash injection of around £10m over the next year-and-a-half, according to Malcolm Murray.

Murray said: “I’m pretty sure they won’t be able to go back to the same institutional investors for more money with the current board set-up. The bulk of them certainly wouldn’t do it.

He concluded: “If that happens, the share price goes down and the cost of raising capital goes up, by definition. This thing needs an injection of roughly £10m over the next 18 months.” (Scotland on Sunday)

Boxing Day flag ban for Celtic fans

POLICE are set to enforce a blanket ban on flags and banners at Celtic’s Boxing Day clash with St Johnstone.

The game is the first away fixture for Neil Lennon’s side since the Green Brigade were disbanded by the club over their role in trouble at a game away to Motherwell.

Police are reportedly concerned about the possibility of a show of defiance by members of the ultras group. (Sun)

IN BRIEF:

Catch up on yesterday’s Premiership action here

• Dundee United continued their winning run against Ross County

• Aberdeen saw off Inverness Caley in a seven-goal thriller

• Hibs and St Johnstone drew blanks in a 0-0 draw

• Kilmarnock saw off Partick Thistle in a 2-1 win at Rugby Park

• Motherwell’s loan stars scored as they beat St Mirren 3-0

• Celtic kept up their good league form in a 2-0 victory over Hearts