Rumour Mill: McGeady to Celtic? | Ciftci rebuffs Wigan

Aiden McGeady in action for Ireland against Scotland. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

McGeady linked with Celtic return

AIDEN McGeady could be set for a shock return to Celtic, after failing to set the heather alight at Everton.

The Irish winger spent six years in Glasgow before a money-spinning £9.5 million move to Spartak Moscow in 2010.

However, he joined Everton after bagging 11 goals in 72 games for the Russians, but has failed to hold down a starting berth at Goodison.

And reports suggest Celtic have tested the water with a £1 million bid for the 29-year-old. (Various)

Celtic on alert after Cifti turns down Wigan move

CELTIC have been handed a boost after Nadir Ciftci turned down a move to Wigan.

Dundee United accepted an offer from the Latics in the region of £1 million, but the Turkish forward reportedly turned his nose up at the prospect of life in the English third tier.

Celtic, Middlesbrough and an unidentified foreign club still remain in the race to sign him. (Evening Telegraph)

Hoops record friendly win

CELTIC eased to a 2-0 victory over Dutch outfit Den Bosch last night in Paisley, on a night that saw Mikael Lustig and Tom Rogic return to first-team action.

Gary Mackay-Steven opened the scoring after just three minutes while the ex-Dundee United winger had a hand in the second, his shot saved by Kees Heemskerk in the Den Bosch goal only for Kadeem Pantophlet to see the ball cannon off him into the net.

Ronny Deila utilised 21 players over the course of the match, including a rare run-out for Derk Boerrigter, but it was a night to forget for Stefan Scepovic, who endured a luckless time ip front. (The Scotsman)

Axed Rangers stars demand holiday pay

AT least six former Rangers players are set to slap the club with a claim for holiday pay, according to The Sun.

PFA Scotland have reportedly been contacted over the possibility of bringing action over a payment that ‘could approach a six-figure sum’.

The players believe they are due holiday pay thanks to a contract clause which entitles them to 35 days of holiday leave a year.

The axed sextet believe they are due money as the only paid holiday time they are entitled to is during the close season - despite their contracts expiring on May 31st. (Scottish Sun)

Dave King pays tribute to fans as season tickets snapped up

DAVE King has urged Rangers fans to keep renewing season tickets with the Ibrox club on course to hit 40,000.

According to Rangers, 21,500 fans have already renewed, with details of a general public sale to be revealed in due course.

King said: “It has been really encouraging for the new board to witness this phenomenal response from the club’s supporters in advance of what is going to be the most significant season for the team in recent years.” (Daily Record)

Janko ‘could star in Champions League’ - Deila

CELTIC manager Ronny Deila has admitted that the door is open for Swiss teenager Saidy Janko to walk into his Celtic team for the crucial Champions League qualifiers.

The 19-year-old will complete his move from Manchester United today when he has a medical with a compensation fee due to the Old Trafford club.

Deila said: “Janko is a young player we think we can develop and I’m looking forward to seeing him in training.

“We will see if he becomes a first-team player – you never know. We will see what he’s like in training first. The road is there if he shows he is the best. He is a full-back. He can move in but his best position is right-back.” (The Scotsman)

Neilson chuffed after Hearts see off Bohemians

ROBBIE Neilson declared himself satisfied after late goals from Callum Paterson and Soufian El Hassnaoui got Hearts’ series of pre-season friendlies off to a winning start in Dublin last night.

The Scottish Premiership new boys looked like they were going to be held to a goalless draw by a fired-up Bohemian side who are already half way through their League of Ireland campaign.

However, a contentiously-awarded goal, scored by Paterson, and a last-gasp penalty from El Hassnaoui ensured some celebration for the 40 Hearts fans who made the journey to Dalymount Park.

“I was pleased with the performance,” said head coach Neilson. “It was a good workout. Bohemians are in the middle of their season and they were right at it so it was competitive. That’s what we wanted.” (The Scotsman)

Rumour Mill: McGeady to Celtic? | Ciftci rebuffs Wigan | Rangers holiday pay