Rumour Mill: Ronny Deila tears into Celtic | Nir Bitton | Ryan Jack

Celtic boss Ronny Deila vented his frustration in the dressing room. Picture: John DevlinCeltic boss Ronny Deila vented his frustration in the dressing room. Picture: John Devlin
Celtic boss Ronny Deila vented his frustration in the dressing room. Picture: John Devlin
CELTIC manager Ronny Deila has admitted ripping into his squad in a 40-minute dressing room rant; Nir Bitton says getting away with defending errors in the Premiership is harming Celtic’s European fortunes; Ryan Jack is stumped over Aberdeen’s recent poor form; plus more news and gossip in Saturday’s Rumour Mill

Angry Ronny Deila launches attack on Celtic

Furious Celtic boss Ronny Deila launched into a 40-minute dressing room tirade against his players, reportedly accusing them of lacking character.

The embattled Norwegian turned his fire on his team following their latest defeat in Europe against Molde as he blasted his players for lacking the resolve and hunger for Celtic to succeed on the continent.

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Only 18-year-old Kiernan Tierney was reportedly spared from the manager’s wrath as his stewardship comes under fresh scrutiny.

Deila remains unfazed by his rumours circulating that he may be facing the axe, saying he has full confidence the club will afford him the same support as predecessors. (The Scotsman/Various)

Nir Bitton: Premiership mistakes can’t happen in Europe

Celtic’s Nir Bitton insists Celtic’s defending blunders are a problem because they can get away with them in the Premiership but not on the European stage.

He said that Celtic aren’t punished in the Scottish league for making mistakes but ‘pay a high price’ for making blunders in Europe.

“We need to improve ourselves. We’re making the same mistakes all the time and we are getting punished”, he said. (Scottish Sun)

Ryan Jack can’t understand Dons lack of form

Aberdeen captain Ryan Jack says he is at a loss as to why his side’s form seems to have dropped off a cliff in the past six games of the season.

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Reflecting on the club’s poor start to the season, he said: “I don’t think anyone can really put their finger on what’s happened to us in the last six games.”

23-year-old Jack believes Aberdeen can get back on track and expects confidence to come back into the squad with a win at Pittodrie against Dundee United. (Scottish Daily Mail)

Barry Ferguson warns Mike Ashley over battle for Rangers

Former Rangers star Barry Ferguson has warned Sports Direct tycoon Mike Ashley that Rangers is ‘not a rich man’s toy.’

He also argued that the Rangers board may be prepared to fight for the club’s best interests but suggested Dave King may not be a match for a foe like Ashley. (Daily Record)

Alex Miller battles rumours at St Mirren

New Saints’ assistant manager Alex Miller has again been forced to deny rumours he is there to ultimately replace Ian Murray.

Miller has battled speculation that he was hired to take the hotseat but has moved quickly to squash any talk of his future at the club other than to focus on rivals Hibs. (Daily Record)

McGinn right to admit fatigue

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Hibernian boss Alan Stubbs has praised the honest of John McGinn after he admitted he couldn’t keep up with the pace of the closing minutes of his side’s demolition of United in their League Cup tie.

McGinn sparked injury fears after being replace by Darren McGregor but Stubbs has reportedly insisted that the youngster will be fit to face St Mirren. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Real Madrid signal loan hopes for Martin Odegaard

Spanish side Real Zaragoza have rejected offers from Real Madrid to sign rising star Martin Odegaard, leaving Celtic on high alert to make a move.

Celtic have been linked with the 16-year-old Norwegian for months since he signed for the Spanish giants. Having made his senior debut last season, Madrid have so far not fielded the youngster and are eyeing a loan move in January. (Insidefutbol.com)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Hearts boss Robbie Neilson insists the club’s financially stability means they won’t have to cash in on prized assets in January. (Edinburgh Evening News)

• Rob Kiernan insists Rangers is in the title race despite their 2 - 1 defeat to Hibs at Easter Road. (The Scotsman)

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• St Johnstone left-back Brian Easton will hand the captain’s armband back to Dave Mackay “with clenched teeth”. (Daily Express)

• Dundee United goalkeeper Michal Szromnik insists he’ll welcome the competition from Eiji Kawashima. (The Courier)