Rumour Mill: Mario Balotelli | Celtic | Rangers

MARIO Balotelli is ready for Celtic’s supporters, Terry Butcher chops down his hungry Hibs players, and Neil Lennon faces more calls to loan Tom Rogic, plus the rest of today’s football news in Monday’s Rumour Mill

A dejected Mario Balotelli during his side's game with Genoa last night. Picture: Getty

Celtic v Milan: Bring on the boos, says Balotelli

• MILAN star Mario Balotelli is ready for the worst from the Celtic support tomorrow night - and insists that a hostile welcome will not affect his game.

The striker said: “I have heard all about the fans and the atmosphere they create - and my message to them is bring it on!

“If fans want to try and make a stadium hostile for me - or boo me because I am one of the best players in the world - then I hope they do.” (Sun)

• AC Milan have lost yet more players to injury ahead of tomorrow’s game - defender Philippe Mexes and midfielder Sulley Muntari join the injury list at the beleaguered Rossoneri. (Herald)

• Dissatisfaction with coach Massimo Allegri boiled over yesterday, with players barricaded inside the San Siro by angry fans threatening them with sticks. Get the full story here

McCoist tells Rangers to brace for Arbroath

A NOVEMBER night at Arbroath’s Gayfield Park will be like nothing some of the Rangers squad have experienced, according to manager Ally McCoist.

Temperatures will struggle to make it into positive figures at the seaside ground, and McCoist admits he is worried at how the likes of Bilel Mohsni and Arnold Peralta handle conditions.

McCoist said: “I don’t think I’ve been up there on a nice day. I am aware they must have nice days but they don’t save them for the football.” (Record)

Butcher cuts out Hibs’ hometime meal

TERRY Butcher left his mark on the Hibs squad this weekend by refusing to lay on food for the hour-long journey back from St Mirren.

The new Easter Road boss said: “All I kept hearing was ‘What food do you want on the bus coming back?’

“I was like ‘I don’t give a ****! Pot Noodles and pizza? Who cares? We’re an hour away. Why do we need food.’ I don’t know how the players felt, but I’m sure Mr Petrie was delighted to save some money.” (Sun)

‘Loan out Rogic’ call for Lennon

FORMER Rangers defender Craig Moore and ex-West Ham star Robbie Slater have both called for Celtic to loan out Australian defender Tomas Rogic in order to save his World Cup hopes.

Moore said: “Regular first-team football is a must for any player. That’s why Tom Rogic needs to leave Celtic.”

Slater added: “If he hasn’t cracked Celtic’s first team by Christmas, he needs to book the first flight out and find a club to throw him a shirt.” (Scotsman)

Caley Thistle ‘don’t need another Butcher’

INVERNESS defender Carl Tremarco believes his teammates are coping well in the absence of a permanent manager, and does not think a like-for-like swap for Terry Butcher is needed.

Tremarco said: “Our attitude has been spot on. We know what we’ve been doing all season, so nothing needs to change.”

The stopper added: “(A new manager) doesn’t have to be a certain model, a Butcher Mark II. Hopefully, whoever the chairman sees fit will be the right one.” (P&J)

Keane rules out Celtic return

REPUBLIC of Ireland striker Robbie Keane has ruled out a second spell at Celtic.

The LA Galaxy star said he has “probably played for enough clubs now” and is set to sign a new deal in the States.

Keane said: “(Celtic) was a good time for me. It was the right move. I haven’t had the chance to go back. It was an incredible time, although some of the pitches weren’t the best.” (Sun)