Rumour Mill: Rangers | Celtic | Champions League

Ally McCoist watches Ian Black in action last season. Picture: Robert Perry

McCoist wants fans to back Black

RANGERS manager Ally McCoist has called for a show of support for midfielder Ian Black when he returns from his suspension for betting.

McCoist said: “(Black) has come out and apologised and served a punishment.

“I’d be very hopeful that it’s now the case that we can all move on. Do I expect him to get a good reception? I’d hope so.” (Sun)

Champions League: DVD time for Celtic; Xavi says Hoops can make last-16

• CELTIC manager Neil Lennon has given members of his team a DVD copy of the side’s win over Barcelona last year - and told them to repeat what they see.

Lennon said: “I want them to study it, then we will do all the other stuff and go over the game plan on Sunday and Monday.

“It’s not necessarily to show our players how good they were against Barcelona last season, but to show them what they have to do to get a result this time. It is also to show them that beating Barcelona can be done.” (Scotsman)

• BARCELONA midfielder Xavi says that Celtic will give his side a run for their money on Tuesday - and backed Neil Lennon’s side to make the Champions League last-16 once again.

Xavi said: “I am still very confident (Barcelona) will win the group - and Celtic have every chance of finishing second. (Record)

New Killie shareholder backs ‘tight’ chairman

BILLY Bowie, the Ayrshire businessman who is now the second-biggest shareholder at Kilmarnock, has offered his backing to the club’s chairman Michael Johnston.

Bowie, who has bought a £250,000 stake in the club, said: “Some football clubs treat their finances like a charity and find money going down a big black hole as a result.

“But Michael has kept the club afloat for the past 10 years by keeping them on a tight budget.” (Record)

Celtic sign StubHub deal; begin CSKA Sofia talks

• Celtic are planning a player development partnership with Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia.

Sofia, Bulgaria’s most successful club with 31 league title wins, were recently bought over by English businessman Laurence Davis, who is planning a series of deals with top clubs across Europe and the Middle East. Celtic legend Stiliyan Petrov began his career at CSKA. (Sun)

TODAY’S SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES (3pm unless stated):

• Kilmarnock v Celtic (12:45)

• Hearts v Dundee Utd

• Inverness CT v Hibernian

• Motherwell v Ross County

• St Johnstone v Partick Thistle