Rumour Mill: James Forrest | Hibs v Hearts | Mohsni

CELTIC could be without two key men for their Champions League play-off, Alan Stubbs hits out over the situation he inherited at Hibs ahead of the Edinburgh derby, plus much more Scottish football news in Sunday’s Rumour Mill

James Forrest could miss the Champions League play-off first leg. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Forrest and Matthews set to miss Celtic v Maribor

CELTIC stars James Forrest and Adam Matthews look set to miss the club’s vital Champions League qualifier against Maribor in Slovenia this week through injury.

Forrest is believed to have suffered a hamstring injury in stoppage-time of Celtic’s 6-1 win over Dundee United yesterday.

Matthews pulled out of the team before kick-off yesterday after injuring his calf in the warm-up. (Various)

Celtic ‘make £2m bid for Cameron Jerome’

STOKE City striker Cameron Jerome is a transfer target for Celtic manager Ronny Deila, according to The Sun.

The paper claim that Celtic have had a bid of over £2 million accepted for the 28-year-old striker, who spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace.

Jerome, who won the English League Cup with Birmingham city in 2011, has scored 70 goals in 332 career appearances across the Premier League and Championship. (Sun)

Edinburgh Derby: Stubbs hits out at Hibs predecessors; Hamilton set for start

• HIBERNIAN manager Alan Stubbs has hit out at the previous Easter Road regime ahead of the first Edinburgh Derby of the season.

Stubbs accused previous scouts of assessing players using Wikipedia, and claimed there were insufficient backroom staff at the club.

Stubbs said: “From day one to today, the way the club is functioning is a million percent better. People don’t realise what we’ve had to change in such a short space of time.” (Sunday Post)

• 20-year-old goalkeeper Jack Hamilton is set to start for Hearts this afternoon with Scott Gallacher reportedly ruled out through injury. (Sun)

Mohsni wary of disciplinary problems

RANGERS defender Bilel Mohsni has admitted he will be in serious trouble if he is sent off for violent conduct again.

The Tunisian defender was sent off for headbutting an opponent during Ranger’s pre-season game with Derby County, and says that he knows another loss of temper could see his days at Ibrox numbered.

Mohsni said: “I think it would be too much if I had another red card. It would depend on the situation, of course… but if I lose my temper like at Derby, then yes.” (Express)

Scotland fans face hefty price rise for Euro qualifier

TICKET prices for Scotland’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Georgia at Ibrox in October are up dramatically on the recent World Cup qualifiers.

A ticket for the Main and Sandy Jardine stands for the 11 October clash are £42; the Daily Record report this as a steep rise from the £25-a-seat prices for most tickets for the recent World Cup qualifiers.

Scotland’s Euro 2016 campaign begins against world champions Germany in Dortmund next month. (Record)

James McArthur: ‘Celtic win over Maribor would boost Scotland’

WIGAN and Scotland midfielder James McArthur believes that Scottish football as a whole will receive a boost if Celtic qualify for the Champions League group stage.

McArthur said: “It would be great for Scottish football if they could get through.

“Having a team playing in the Champions League group stage lifts the respect for the Scotland team and can give a bit of confidence for the Euros.” (Sun)