Rumour Mill: John Guidetti | David Somers’ new role

David Somers, pictured with Graham Wallace and Ally McCoist, is set to become temporary executive chairman at Rangers. Picture: TSPL

Ronny Deila believes John Guidetti could be as good as Larsson

The Manchester City striker took his tally for the season to eight goals in eight games as two free-kicks and a penalty helped sink Partick Thistle 6-0 last night in the League Cup quarter-final at Parkhead. After the game Deila spoke on how he believes Guidetti has the potential to be a similar cult figure at Celtic like Henrik Larsson - if he hangs around. He said: “He’s the best striker I’ve worked with. He’s young, he’s going to get much better and he will improve. I’m looking forward to working with John more. There is a long way to go for him to be like Henrik Larsson, but he’s started well. John is young and will develop, if he continues that way he can be a legend at Celtic. Of course he can.” (Times)

David Somers in line for new role at Rangers

David Somers is set to become temporary executive chairman at Rangers after the Ibrox club issued the following statement to the London Stock Exchange, the statement read:

“David Somers non-executive Chairman, will become Executive Chairman of Rangers on a temporary basis with immediate effect. In this role, he will liaise directly with senior staff within the Club about the operation of the business, and he will oversee the recruitment of a new Chief Executive and Finance director.” (Scotsman)

John Guidetti says he’d love Celtic to get Rangers in the League Cup draw

The Swede, who used to rise early as a kid in Sweden to watch one of the most famous fixtures in world football, admitted he’d love to play his part in an Old Firm derby.

However he warned Rangers they’re going down if he lands his dream of an Old Firm semi-final. The 22-year-old said: “We all know the Old Firm derby is a very special game. This is the fixture I used to wake up at 11.30 in the morning to watch when I was a small kid. It’s normal. It’s fantastic, very spicy. You see it means a lot to people and the atmosphere is always amazing. You can even hear it on the TV. It’s an amazing match. As a footballer you don’t need to be told how special these games are. I have probably not played in anything like it because at Ajax v Feyenoord away fans are not allowed to travel for security reasons. If you play away it’s only their fans and if you play home it’s only your fans. The Old Firm would be a fantastic game to be part of but come Hampden in the semi-final the 11 people standing opposite us are going DOWN. This is how we feel every time we play.” (Record)

David Clarkson believes he’s got the Midas touch for Dundee

I’ve got a bit of the Midas touch at the moment says Dundee front man David Clarkson

Frontman David Clarkson reckons he might well have the Midas touch. At the moment, every thing he touches turns to gold. The Scotland international admits he’s on the best goalscoring run of his career, having netted four goals in his first four appearances in dark blue. But the 29-year-old is experienced enough to know things can change very quickly in football. As a result, he’s keen to keep up the hard work to ensure he stays in the goals. He said: “I couldn’t have imagined things would work this well for me at Dundee, To go on the run I’m currently on is brilliant. It’s been a big surprise but one I’m delighted with. Four goals in four, or three-and-a-bit as I like to call it, is a good return. I’m delighted to have come here and got in and amongst the goals so quick.” (Evening Telegraph)

Legia chief Dariusz Mioduski buries hatchet with Peter Lawell

Mioduski and Peter Lawell met during a European Club association meeting at Parkhead this week. The Pole said: “We had a conversation about what happened over the summer. We shook hands and I explained to him briefly why we were upset and he explained to me why Celtic acted as they did. Listen we are all big boys. At the end of it all, we have to put things behind us. I am looking forward to working with Peter now because I am getting more involved with the ECA and I think we can make things better for our clubs by working together.” (Mail)

Neil Lennon could be set for new bosses at Bolton

Neil Lennon could find himself working for new owners after his Bolton Wanderers side was eyed for a possible takeover by a consortium based in Thailand.The former Celtic boss took charge of the Lancashire club earlier this month.

But they are a staggering £168million in debt and are looking for investors.

Now reports in the Far East have suggested that Thai groups BEC-Tero and Siam Sport Syndicate are preparing a £40million joint bid to acquire the club from owner Eddie Davies. BEC director Bryan Marcar said: “Bolton Wanderers have plenty of property and, most importantly, they have their own stadium, hotel and football academy. In terms of their financial status, they made profits between 2004 and 2006, but suffered losses since then, with their debt now standing at £168 million.”

And Marcar admitted Lennon may be forced to work with an influx of Thai players, he added: “That will help us benefit in many ways, especially when it comes to Thai players playing in England.” (Record)

Graeme Shinnie insists Inverness Caley Thistle don’t fear Celtic

Graeme Shinnie insists Caley Thistle have no reason to fear facing ever-improving champions Celtic – especially as they’ve already beaten them this season.

The stand-in skipper is well aware that their last two trips to face Celtic in Glasgow has seen them leak 11 goals without reply, but it was a different story in the Highlands earlier this season. Shinnie said: “We have beaten Celtic already this season, albeit up here, so we’re looking forward to this one. They are on a good run of form as well. We know what to expect at Celtic Park. The boys have all been there, it’s not a new experience for them. We know what it’s all about.It’s been a good start from us, but now we need to focus on the next game. We’re working hard in training so that we also work hard on Saturday, keep our shape and get as many clean sheets as we can.” (Various)

Martin O’Neill says Ireland have ‘No fear’ of Gordon Strachan’s Scots

Ireland coach Martin O’Neill insists his table-topping side have nothing to fear from Scotland as they prepare for next month’s Euro 2016 qualifier at Celtic Park.

The former Hoops boss returns to Parkhead on November 14 to take on Gordon Strachan’s side with the aim being to cement their place atop Group D.

O’Neill said: “Scotland won’t be easy. They’re flying. Gordon Strachan has them doing well. They had a great result in Poland soon after the Poles beat Germany. But we go there with great confidence. Scotland are in their stride at the moment and we’re trying to get momentum ourselves. We’re certainly not going there with a fear of getting beaten.” (Express)

Jackie McNamara hails goalkeeper Radoslaw Cierzniak

Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara hailed goalkeeper Radoslaw Cierzniak after they edged past Hibernian in a penalty shoot out at Easter Road.

Cierzniak kept United in the League Cup quarter-final tie by saving from Matthew Kennedy after John Rankin had missed his spot-kick, and the Pole sealed a 7-6 shoot-out win when he threw a hand up to tip over David Gray’s effort.

McNamara said: “If you’re saying anything about taking a penalty properly, you put height and pace on the ball. How he got to it... It was similar to the save he had in the first half. I thought he was outstanding.”

United lost a lead three times but McNamara only had praise for the entertainment his side - and Hibs - provided. He said: “Regardless of the outcome, I thought it was a great game of football - two teams trying to play football, entertaining and end to end, We made a few changes and that was probably the best football we have played so far this season.” (Evening Telegraph)

Supporters’ group not satisfied with FAI policy on ticket allocation

Fans’ group YBIG continued last night to call into question the way that tickets had been distributed by the FAI. The group insisted that the problems encountered this time need to be avoided for the game in Poland.

YBIG’s key complaint is that the preferential treatment given to supporters’ clubs is an unannounced shift in policy by the FAI, which had previously favoured customers of its own heavily promoted season-ticket scheme and individuals with a record of travelling overseas to support the national team. The FAI tried to blame the SFA for the problems, insisting that they had not provided the right communication.(Irish Times)

News in brief:

• Scotland’s woman’s team are hoping to beat Holland tonight in Rotterdam after losing 2-1 at home in their World Cup play-off. (Various)

• Steve Simonsen had to undergo an emergency CT scan after suffering a horror head injury in Rangers’ League Cup game against St Johnstone. (Record)

• Alex McLeish insists the players deserve all the credit as his team continued a nine game unbeaten run with a 3-0 win over Lierse. The Belgian side were in the relegation zone when the Scottish manager arrived, they now sit second. (Record)

• Rio Ferdinand has been left stunned after the FA hit him with a three-match band and a £25k fine for his “Sket” tweet. (Various)

• Former Scotland striker Chris Iwelumo has retired from football. (Express)