Rumour Mill: Richard Gough & Dave King

Richard Gough with Paul Murray, Dave King and John Gilligan. Picture: SNS

Richard Gough: Rangers team ‘probably worst ever’

Richard Gough has expressed his grave concerns for Rangers if his close friend Dave King fails in his bid to oust the current Ibrox board.

Gough has formally aligned himself with King ahead of the forthcoming Rangers general meeting where the South Africa-based businessman is confident he is already assured of the necessary backing of over 50 per cent of shareholders to effect regime change.

Former club captain Gough, who won 18 major honours during his time at Rangers, is desperately hoping King has got his sums right. “I think we are bang in trouble if Dave doesn’t win the day,” he said. “I would fear for the club. In a lot of ways, it is the last chance to save it. I might be completely wrong, but I just look at the evidence of the last three or four years and it’s getting worse and worse. (Scotsman.com)

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Kris Commons admits he’s ‘buzzing’ after penning new deal at Celtic

Kris Commons says his settled mind will help focus his sights on bringing even more silverware success to Celtic.

The Hoops gave their fans the news they wanted yesterday when the frontman signed a new two-year deal to end fears he would quit in the summer under freedom of contract.

It’s a huge boost for Celtic as they approach the business end of the season with high hopes of landing the Treble and their dreams still alive in the Europa League.

Commons said: “It’s awesome, a great feeling and a huge burden off my shoulders. Now I can concentrate on the proper stuff – playing football and winning more trophies for this club.

“I’m absolutely buzzing. It has been a strange couple of months and speculation is never good for the mind when you’re trying to play at the top level. (Daily Record)

Kilmarnock manager Allan Johnston to leave in summer

Kilmarnock manager Allan Johnston has announced his intention to leave the club at the end of the campaign.

Johnston, who guided the club to ninth place in the Scottish Premiership last season, has decided to leave the club at the conclusion of 2014-15.

This comes two days after his namesake, Michael Johnston, announced he would be stepping down from his role as chairman of the club.

The East Ayrshire side currently occupy eighth place and are without a win in their last four Premiership games.

Manager Johnston believes the club needs a new outlook in all aspects to give the fans what they deserve.

“The club and our fans need a lift and with the incoming chairman it is a good time to freshen things up across the board and generate some positivity around the place,” explained Johnston. (FourFourTwo.com)

Derek Llambias hits back and insists: Rangers board DOESN’T pick the team

Derek Llambias has tonight hit back at Kenny McDowall and insisted he doesn’t pick the Rangers team.

Ibrox chief executive Llambias insists neither he nor any other member of the board is interfering in selection.

He said: “There’s no way the board is picking the team.

“The basis of any loan deal is that the players who arrive bolster the side and give the squad more depth. That’s exactly what is happening here.”

Kenny MacDowall had previously replied when asked if he had to play every one of the loan signings every week: “Yes. They are obviously good players - they play for Newcastle - but I will carry on and do what I am told to do.” (Daily Record)

Derek Johnstone says loanee revelation will harm manager search

Derek Johnstone has branded the Rangers loanee situation as a joke. He said: “There is no way you can run a club like that. You won’t get a manager to come in and take over if he is being told who to play.” (Evening Times)

Michael Duffy plays down comparisons with former Celt Paddy McCourt

New Celtic signing Michael Duffy has played down comparisons with former Bhoys star Paddy McCourt and said that making his first team debut in his inaugural season at the club remains his primary target.

A winger by trade, Duffy arrived at Celtic Park on transfer deadline day from League of Ireland Premier Division outfit Derry City and has drawn comparisons with McCourt, who also arrived at the Scottish champions from the Candystripes.

“I’ve grown up watching Paddy McCourt for years and he’s amazing, completely different class”, the winger told Celtic TV.

“Everyone has been saying to me to be the next Paddy McCourt and if I get somewhere near his skill I’ll be happy.” (Insidefutbol.com)

Paul McGinn set to sign Dundee contract extension

Paul McGinn could be the next Dundee man in line for a contract extension.

The full-back, who signed a two-year deal last summer, has had tentative negotiations with the Dark Blues hierarchy recently about extending his stay at Dens Park beyond the summer of 2016.

Having been impressed by how quickly he adapted to life in the Premiership, manager Paul Hartley, who celebrates a year in the job today, is keen to keep McGinn, whose brother Stephen signed for the club earlier this week. (Evening Telegraph)

News in brief:

• Celtic’s Mubarak Wakaso scored to help Ghana defeat hosts Equatorial Guinea 3-0 and book their place in Sunday’s final of the African Cup of Nations (Evening Times)

• Everton’s Kevin Mirallas is set to leave Everton, saying he’s “ready for a new challenge” as he dreams of a move to the Champions League. (ESPN.com)

Rumour Mill: Richard Gough & Dave King | Kris Commons