Rumour Mill: Ronny Deila hits back | Rangers shelve share plans

Celtic manager Ronny Deila has hit back at his critics. Picture: SNS

Ronny Deila hits back at critics

Ronny Deila has spectacularly hit back at his critics, insisting those who want to ‘hurt’ Celtic will not succeed.

On the eve of top-of-the-table clash with Aberdeen, the Norwegian aimed a verbal volley at several high-profile figures – including former Rangers manager Alex McLeish – who have recently questioned his suitability to the Parkhead post.

Deila also went public with his belief that defeats at Celtic are vieweddifferently to those at Ibrox – and accused his detractors of deliberately ignoring the progress his side have made over the past 16 months.

“I know how it is to live at Celtic with everyone on the outside wanting to drag us down,” said the Bhoys boss. When you win, win, win – we should be proud. Everyone wants to hurt us but we know it.

“We are working together and going to try and win in Europe and win everything here. Everybody around us in Scotland wants to win this trophy (title).

“But if we stay on the up then they will not hurt us. It’s up to us and what is used against us on the outside? I couldn’t care less.” (Various)

Rangers shelve plans for new share issue

Rangers have announced they are ditching plans for a share issue until criminal proceedings relating to an alleged fraudulent takeover of the club are concluded.

The Ibrox outfit confirmed, however, that funding to cover “this season and beyond” – including future transfers – will instead come via additional interest-free loans from chairman Dave King and the Three Bears consortium.

“After careful consideration the Board has determined that it is not appropriate to proceed with a share issue and listing on the ISDX market until the criminal proceedings being brought against Charles Green, Imran Ahmed, Craig Whyte and others are concluded,” said a club statement on Friday night.

“The Board is satisfied that from a financial perspective there is no short term requirement for the funding that would have flowed from a share issue and that any funds that may be required for the Group will be made available as and when required from the existing shareholder / lenders.” (Mail)

Alan Stubbs: Improved Hibs will rise to Rangers test

Alan Stubbs said he is savouring the challenge of competing with Rangers and is looking forward to trying to close the gap against them.

“Whenever you play in any big game you should savour it, embrace it, and you obviously want to win the games,” said Stubbs. “Whatever line of work you are in when the big challenges come around they give you a buzz.

“I’ve had the buzz since last Sunday waiting for this game and I am really looking forward to it. I hope it brings out the best in me as we want to get three points. I think we can get a result against Rangers, in fact, I know we can.” (Scotsman)

Scott Brown to miss Aberdeen and Molde games

Scott Brown is out of Saturday’s top of the table Scottish Premiership clash with Aberdeen and may miss the game against Molde midweek.

The Celtic skipper is going to London for more opinions on a scan that failed to clear up the extent of meniscus damage in his knee which caused him to miss the League Cup quarter-final win over Hearts at Tynecastle on Wednesday night. (Express)

Celtic on alert as reports say Martin Odegaard wants to leave Real

The Spanish newspaper Marca have reported that Martin Odegaard is looking for a move from Real Madrid.

Still only 16, Odegaard was linked with a move to Celtic and a reunion with his former Stromgodset manager Ronny Deila, before choosing to join the La Liga giants.

Marca claim that Odegaard has grown frustrated at the lack of opportunities under Rafa Benitez. They report that the club favours loaning the Norwegian international to a local top flight side such as Getafe, but Celtic fans will hope that Deila’s relationship with the youngster could prove decisive. (Various)

Mark Warburton says he won’t go on January signing spree

Mark Warburton insists he won’t upset the harmony in the Ibrox dressing room with an influx of signings in the January transfer window.

The Rangers boss overhauled his squad during the summer and has seen his efforts rewarded with an impressive start to the campaign as the Light Blues have opened up an eight point advantage at the top of the Championship table.

He said: “I don’t think we need many. We have good harmony in the dressing room and the biggest danger is rocking that.

“So right now, one or two is all we’d be looking to bring in in January.” (various)

Falkirk striker John Baird says Championship is not second best

Baird said: “There’s not a big difference in the leagues. You have Rangers and Hibs who are Premiership outfits.

“Falkirk are definitely gearing up to be a Premiership outfit, if not maybe better equipped than most clubs already there.

“Raith have also started really well. I was there myself and I’m hearing really good things about what’s happening.

“So it’s being disrespectful to the league if you say Saints are in a false position.” (Record)

News in brief:

• Rotherham manager Neil Redfearn is apparently keen on Hibs striker Jason Cummings. (Sun)

• Former Celtic player Tony Watt is at the centre of an investigation over his free transfer from Standard Liege to Charlton. (Sun)

• Jose Mourinho is apparently being lined up for a sensational return to Real Madrid. (Mirror)

• Shakhtar Donetsk star Alex Teixeira claims he has received an offer from Chelsea. (Express)

Rumour Mill: Ronny Deila hits back | Rangers shelve share plans | Scott Brown out