Rumour Mill: Jason Denayer | Virgil van Dijk | Ally McCoist

CELTIC hopeful of retaining Denayer, van Dijk backs fitness regime and Rangers manager Ally McCoist says he is not beyond the sack.

Celtic's Jason Denayer. Picture: Reuters

Ronny Deila hopeful of holding into Denayer

His side might currently sit some way from the summit in the Premiership table but Ronny Deila is already hoping a Champions League spot next season can help him retain the services of on-loan centre-half Jason Denayer. (Scotsman)

• Legia Warsaw captain Ivica Vrdoljak says his team targeted Celtic’s left-hand side which they humbled in the Champions League qualifiers before going out because they fielded an ineligible player. The Legia skipper says left back Emilio Izaguirre was a “weak” player and that his side could not believe that he played at the World Cup.

• Astra Giurgiu striker Constantin Budescu says his side do not have the experience to compete with Celtic adding that it will be “very, very hard” to avoid defeat in the upcoming Europa League double header

Van Dijk backs Deila’s fitness regime

Virgil van Dijk has backed Ronny Deila’s fitness regime and said that the squad will do whatever it takes to achieve success. The new Celtic manager was critical of his predecessor’s pre-match preparations and hinted that any player that did not tow the line would find themselves surplus to requirements. (Mail)

Ally McCoist says he is not beyond the sack

Rangers manager Ally McCoist says he is not “bombproof” in response to a barage of criticism following his side’s sluggish start to their Championship campaign.

He said: “I don’t think anyone is bombproof as manager I wouldn’t sit here for a minute and say I’m bombproof. I’m still wearing the flak jacket but nobody is bombproof.

“I don’t find that insulting at all that people say the club can’t afford to sack me. I don’t necessarily agree with it. I don’t think there has ever been a manager who hasn’t been sackable.”

• Former Newcastle owner Sir John Hall says Rangers fans should not fear Mike Ashley and says that he could be the man to save the Ibrox club (Sun)

Billy Connolly to make Scottish Cup draw

Billy Connolly will help draw the third round of the Scottish Cup on Monday.

The comedian will be joined by SFA president Campbell Ogilvie and Margaret Bachelor from tournament sponsors William Hill at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh at 2pm. (Scotsman)

Bobby Charlton out of Dunhill Cup due to illness

Sir Bobby Charlton withdrew from the team event in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship after being taken to hospital in Dundee on Thursday night.

The Manchester United legend complained of stomach pains after finishing his first round at St Andrews in the company of South African professional Darren Fichardt. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Tunisia boss Georges Leekens last night revealed banned Bilel Mohsni is suffering from a knee injury. The forward is suspended for three games however is believed to be suffering from a minor knee ailment.

• Dougie Freedman has been sacked by Bolton with former Rangers player Jimmy Phillips now set to take charge