Rumour Mill: John Hughes | Robert Lewandowski | Leigh Griffiths

John Hughes on verge of becoming Dundee United manager, Scotland boss says Lewandowski is one of the best and Stokes urged to rescue his Celtic career.

Leigh Griffiths has had a successful season so far at Celtic. Picture: TSPL

John Hughes favourite to become Dundee United manager

Ladbrokes suspended betting yesterday on John Hughes becoming the next manager of Dundee United after a flurry of bets on the Inverness boss.

Hughes’ odds tumbled from 25/1 to 10/11 after sustained support. St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright had been the firm’s 4/6 favourite for the Tannadice

post left vacant by Jackie McNamara’s dismissal. (Scotsman)

Lewandowski better than Messi or Ronaldo - Strachan

In view of the “cup final” nature of tonight’s Euro 2016 qualifying clash with Poland at Hampden Park, it is typical of Scotland’s luck that they should run into someone Gordon Strachan rates as the current best player in the world.

Robert Lewandowski has haunted the minds of the Tartan Army since he embarked on a scoring run that has delivered 12 goals in his last four outings. (Scotsman)

Stokes ‘must copy’ Griffiths to resuce career

Ronny Deila has ordered frozen-out Anthony Stokes to copy Leigh Griffiths’ example if he wants to rescue his Celtic career.

The Republic of Ireland striker has started only one game this season – the 3-1 win over Dundee United at Tannadice in August – and has also struggled to get a place on the substitutes’ bench.

(Various)

Motherwell in waiting game for Simo Valakari

Motherwell have been told they will not get the chance to speak to potential managerial candidate Simo Valakari until the Finnish season ends.

The former Well and Derby midfielder has declared an interest in a return to Fir Park to replace the sacked Ian Baraclough and claimed his club would not be

hard to deal with. (Evening Times)

Boruc recalls good memories at Celtic

Bournemouth goalkeeper Artur Boruc has said that he has ‘good memories’ from his time at Celtic as he gears up to return to Scotland.

The Polish shot stopper, 35, made his name with Celtic after a 2005 move from Legia Warsaw, and he went on to become a cult hero with Bhoys fans,

making over 200 appearances for the club before joining Fiorentina in 2010. (Record)

Sepp Blatter faces suspension

Sepp Blatter will turn up for work at FIFA on Thursday despite facing a recommended 90-day provisional suspension by FIFA’s ethics committee, according to his adviser.

Klaus Stohlker, a friend and adviser to Blatter, said ethics investigators had recommended a 90-day suspension for the 79-year-old but that the head of the adjudicatory chamber, German judge Joachim Eckert, has yet to make a final decision.

Reports in German newspaper Die Welt said UEFA president Michel Platini was also facing a possible provisional suspension. (Various)

Griffiths eyes Scotland goal target

Leigh Griffiths has told Celtic’s official website that the next aim in his career is to open his goalscoring account for Scotland.

The 25-year-old striker has earned six caps for Scotland to date, but he is yet to score for his country.

Griffiths has only been given sporadic opportunities by the Scottish national side, but having been called up to their latest squad, he is hoping to get on the scoresheet.

(Celtic FC)

Zander Clark signs contract extension with St Johnstone

St Johnstone goalkeeper Zander Clark has signed a contract extension less than two weeks after his first team debut.

The 23-year-old has signed a deal that commits him to Saints until the summer of 2018.

Clark made his debut in a 2-1 win over Dundee United, following a red card for Alan Mannus, and helped Saints to a 5-1 win at Ladbrokes Premiership leaders Aberdeen on Saturday when the Northern Ireland keeper was suspended. (Press & Journal)

Declan McManus has no regrets about leaving Dons

It has been a tough start to life at Fleetwood Town but Declan McManus has no regrets about leaving Aberdeen.

The 21-year-old will be back at his old stomping ground on Saturday when he represents Scotland under-21s in their Euro 2017 qualifier against France at Pittodrie.(Press & Journal)