Rumour Mill: Gael Bigirimana

Gael Bigirimana 'knew he was ill' before signing for Rangers. Picture: Getty

Bigirimana ‘was ill before Rangers move’

NEWCASTLE United midfielder Gael Bigirimana has admitted that he knew he was ill before he joined Rangers on loan during the January transfer window.

And the 21-year-old won’t kick a ball for Rangers this season due to SFA rules, and has been struck down with a mystery illness.

But the Burundian midfielder has revealed he knew he was sick while at Newcastle.

He told the Daily Record: “I didn’t know I wouldn’t be able to play. I didn’t think it would be a problem that would stop me playing. Nobody told me. Yes, I knew I had a problem but I didn’t think it would stop me playing here because that problem didn’t stop me playing in England.

“I came here because I wanted to help Rangers out and I’ve come to like the place so much and the club as well. But what’s happened has happened and if I can’t play for Rangers because of my medical condition then hopefully, when this gets sorted, one day I’ll come back.

“Hopefully I’ll get another chance to come here on loan or permanently.

“I don’t know when I will be able to play again. I can’t tell you that to be honest. But it won’t be this season. I am being treated well and everyone at the club has been really nice to me since I came here.” (Daily Record)

Rangers loans ‘will cost club £65,000’

THE ‘Newcastle Five’ as they have been dubbed, are set to cost Rangers up to £65,000 - with three of them unlikely to play at all.

Haris Vuckic has made regular appearances while Remie Streete limped off less than 45 minutes into his debut. But Shane Ferguson, Kevin Mbabu and Gael Bigirimana are unlikely to play for the first team.

The five are reportedly costing the Ibrox club around £1,000 a week - working out at around £65,000 by the end of the season - after being signed without any medical tests being completed. (Daily Record)

Johansen ‘good enough for EPL’ - Deila

RONNY Deila has told a Norwegian TV station that Stefan Johansen is good enough to make it in the English Premier League.

Deila, speaking to TV2, said that the influential midfielder ‘is allowed to develop’ at Celtic, adding: “He is good enough to play in the Premier League but then it is a question of whether he wants it.

“I think Stefan is very fond of Celtic and it’s a much bigger club to play for than for example West Brom.

“Stefan made a wise choice when he chose to go to Celtic. Here he is allowed to develop. He has been playing regularly at a high level.” (STV)

Limassol eye up Cierzniak transfer

CYPRUS cracks AEL Limassol are keen on signing Radoslaw Cierzniak, it has been revealed.

The Polish ‘keeper is out of contract in the summer and it is understood Limassol are ready to offer the Tannadice goalie big money to secure him on a pre-contract deal.

The Daily Express are reporting that Cierzniak is aware of the interest, and hasnb’t ruled out a move.

Jackie McNamara wants to keep Cierzniak at United and has held preliminary talks with the 31-year-old. (Daily Express)

Forster faces 12 months on sidelines

FRASER Forster could be out for up to a year after undergoing surgery on a knee injury.

The former Celtic No 1 was stretchered off during Southampton’s match against Burnley after falling awkwardly following a collision with Sam Vokes.

Southampton said: “Forster will be ruled out for the rest of the season. A long-term prediction of when he will return will be made in due course.” (Daily Record)

Berra goal hands Scotland victory over NI

CHRIS Berra’s 85th-minute goal handed Scotland victory in a largely forgettable friendly encounter at Hampden last night.

Gordon Strachan’s players were worthy of a victory that will give them a boost going into the Group D clash with Gibraltar at the weekend.

Strachan took the opportunity to rotate his squad, with five ‘first-team’ certs starting on the bench including Andy Robertson, Scott Brown and Steven Naismith.

And the game was fizzling out when Berra, a half time substitute, got on the end of debutant Matt Ritchie’s cross to direct a header past Michael McGovern in the Northern Irish goal. (The Scotsman)

Hamilton release duo

HAMILTON have released midfield duo Jon Routledge and Lee Lynch.

Englishman Routledge leaves after four spells at New Douglas Park, while Lynch leaves having never made a first-team appearance. (BBC)

Manchester United defender ‘chose Scotland thanks to Fergie’

DONALD Love admits the influence of Sir Alex Ferguson and Darren Fletcher over the years at Old Trafford made him choose Scotland as his national side.

The 20-year-old United reserve team defender’s father was born in Stranraer. (Daily Record)

Mark Wotte defends Harper omission

EX-SFA performance chief Mark Wotte has backed Ricky Sbragia’s decision not to call-up Real Madrid starlet Jack Harper, insisting the 19-year-old had shown mixed form when the Dutchman had watched him play. (The Sun)

Dons eye move for son of Dean Windass

Aberdeen are reportedly preparing a move for Accrington Stanley midfielder Josh Windass.

The 21-year-old is the son of former Dons striker and fans’ favourite Dean, who played at Pittodrie between 1995 and 1998. (Daily Mail)

Hibs call in NHS for mumps jags

HIBERNIAN have had several of their squad vaccinated against mumps after both Sam Stanton and back-up goalkeeper Tomas Cerny contracted the illness in recent weeks.

Both players are back on the park after recovering. (Various)

Rumour Mill: Gael Bigirimana | Stefan Johansen