Rumour Mill: Mulgrew snub | Lennon jibe

Charlie Mulgrew: Celtic snub 'bafflement'. Picture: SNS

Charlie Mulgrew hits out at Celtic snub

Charlie Mulgrew has found it “baffling” that not one Celtic player made the PFA Scotland short-list. The midfielder, who won the award as well as the writers’ award last year, was at a loss to explain how he and his team-mates had failed to make the list despite winning the SPL and reaching the last 16 of the Champions League, with a possible Scottish Cup victory within their grasp.

“It’s baffling, to be honest, unbelievable. When I saw it, I couldn’t believe it. You’d think at lesat one would be there.

“People have said that there were so many Celtic players it split the vote. But surely, when you’re looking to vote for a player, you think about the team that have won the league, reached the last 16 of the Champions League and are in the cup final.”

Mulgrew also tipped Neil Lennon for the manager of the year award, saying: “You only have to list all the stuff we’ve done here.” (The Scotsman)

Keith Lasley “disappointed” with Neil Lennon comments

Motherwell captain Keith Lasley has branded Neil Lennon’s remarks about the PFA Scotland award “disappointing”. Lennon was irate about the four man short-list, which did not include a single Celtic player, and branded the poll “abysmal”.

But Lasley defended the voting system and accused Lennon of taking the shine off proceedings, saying: “I’ve got to say I disagree with what he said. It has taken away a little bit of focus from the achievements of the four guys who are nominated and I’m disappointed.”

He added: “I don’t know how much more democratic you can get than a one-player, one-vote system. It’s not as if some unnamed panel has come up with these names.” (Daily Record)

Leigh Griffiths’ love for Hibs could keep him at Easter Road - Stevenson

Lewis Stevenson believes that Leigh Griffiths’ passion for Hibernian could have a big say in where the striker ends up playing next season. The on-loan Wolves striker is due to return to the Championship in the summer, but Stevenson argues that the 22-year-old, nominated for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards, could yet extend his stay at Easter Road.

“Lee loves the club,” Stevenson said, “and that’ll be a big factor when he’s choosing where his future lies. He’s enjoying it up here, he’s obviously settled and he knows the cityk, having been brought up here. We’ve got a few things in our favour to hopefully keep him but if a big club comes in, you can’t blame him.” (Daily Record)

Paolo di Canio pays tribute to mentor Tommy Burns

Sunderland manager Paolo di Canio has paid tribute to former manager Tommy Burns as he revealed how the Celtic legend kept the Italian’s notorious temper in check. Di Canio cited Burns, who died in 2008 of skin cancer, as one of his main influences as a manager.

Recalling his first few weeks at Celtic, Di Canio said: “I had a confrontation with Tommy because I was upset in a training session and I was ready to leave. But he came to me and hugged me like a brother with an energy that was an inspiration to me.”

He added: “He was like my older brother, he made me feel like a part of the family.” (Daily Mail)

Rumour Mill: Mulgrew snub | Lennon jibe | Di Canio