Rumour Mill: Peter Houston to Celtic

Peter Houston could be set for a comeback at Celtic. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Peter Houston to return to game at Celtic

FORMER Dundee United manager Peter Houston could be set to make his Scottish football comeback as a scout for Celtic.

Houston left Tannadice in January and has been out of the game since then, but talks to bring him into the fold alongside John Park are thought to be at an advanced stage.

Houston is thought to have compiled scouting reports for the Scottish champions on an unofficial ad-hoc basis for several weeks. (Express)

Celtic v Barcelona: Stop selling stars says Xavi

BARCELONA midfielder Xavi has told Celtic that they will not make their mark at European level unless they stop selling their top players.

The Spanish international said: “It is a very difficult situation for them. If the players are not noticed it means they are not doing well in Europe, but if they do well in Europe their best players get noticed.

“It is not an easy situation but they must find a solution.” (Record)

• EFE Ambrose has admitted feeling guilty for leaving his newborn daughter to play against Barcelona.

Ambrose, whose second child was born on Friday, said: “I feel a little guilty now I have to leave them so soon and go to Barcelona. I feel like not going in a way, but it is my job and I have to be there to help my team.” (Scotsman)

• NEIL Lennon was “a coach on the pitch” during his time at Celtic, according to former team-mate Juninho.

The Brazilian said: “He was not only running, tackling or passing, he was ordering people around during the games.” (Sun)

Rangers fans to meet Ibrox investors over AGM

RANGERS fans are to meet the largest shareholders in the club in a bid to persuade them to back Paul Murray’s group who are looking to take charge at Ibrox.

Laxey Partners, the hedge fund who own over 11% of Rangers, are to meet the fans in London tomorrow.

The fund have previously given their backing to the current board, saying “the days of wheeling and dealing have passed”. (Evening Times)

Liverpool clubs watch United teens once again

EVERTON and Liverpool sent their chief scouts to run the rule over Dundee United stars Ryan Gauld, John Souttar and Andrew Robertson this weekend.

The trio have been the subject of fevered speculation all season, with clubs from across Europe linked with Jackie McNamara’s stars.

Gauld has played down any desire for a move to the Premier League, while Souttar rejected a move to Sunderland earlier this season. (Mail)

• UNITED’S young stars should stay at Tannadice for the foreseeable future, according to United winger Gary Mackay-Steven.

Mackay-Steven said: “I was 16 when I went down south in 2007. The move can work out or it can’t.” (Express)

Everton in for Celtic target Finnbogason

ICELANDIC striker Alfred Finnbogason, who was linked with Celtic earlier this year, could be on his way to Everton.

Neil Lennon’s side were linked with the Icelander earlier this year, but the Premier League high-fliers appear to have stolen a march in the race to sign him.

Martinez is also looking to offload former Rangers man Nikica Jelavic. (Record)

Fir Park fall-out: ‘Someone could die’ claims ex-SFA man

FORMER SFA security chief David Brand has warned that fans could be killed unless the current trend for flares and pyrotechnics at grounds is curbed.

Brand said: “There was a case in South America recently when (a flare) became embedded in a supporters’ head and he died from his injuries.

“My fear is that will happen here unless we take a zero tolerance approach to pyrotechnics. The SFA can’t interfere at the moment but they might have to unless the SPFL do more.” (Record)

IN BRIEF

• HIBS captain James McPake will have an operation on a back injury today - the defender has played just six games for Terry Butcher’s side this season. (Sun)

• CELTIC legend Shunsuke Nakamura suffered “the worst moment” of his career this weekend, as his Yokohama side blew their chance at the J-League title with defeat in their last game of the season. (Record)

• AN ‘Old Firm Legends’ game in Carluke was called off yesterday - after a fight broke out on the pitch. Frank McAvennie and Andy Goram captained the two sides. (Sun)

Rumour Mill: Peter Houston to Celtic | Ryan Gauld