Rumour Mill: Scott Allan | Celtic

New Celtic signing Scott Allan is all smiles after being unveiled to the home support ahead of kick-off against Inverness Caley Thistle. Picture: SNS Group

Scott Allan: Celtic move ‘no brainer’

NEW Celtic signing Scott Allan insisted on Saturday that a move to Parkhead was ‘a no-brainer.’

The 23-year-old initially said he wanted to leave former club Hibernian for childhood heroes Rangers. Despite several bids, Rangers boss Mark Warburton’s advances were rebuffed.

The new Hoops star was paraded at Celtic Park before the home fans with his new number 19 jersey. (Various)

Celtic did not sign Allan ‘to spite Rangers’

Celtic manager Ronny Deila remained tight-lipped over reports the Premiership champions only bought Scott Allan to spite Rangers.

Deila has reportedly stated that the former Hibs star was on Celtic’s radar for some time despite the quick deal made this week which will see Allan become a fixture at Celtic Park on a four-year contract. (Inside Futbol)

- Malmo boss Age Hareide has reportedly criticised Uefa for rules that allowed his Celtic counterpart to sign former Hibs star Scott Allan ahead of their Champions League play-off tie this week after the Swedish transfer window closed. (Mail on Sunday)

Mark Warburton set to give Zaliukas the chop

Rangers manager Mark Warburton is reportedly hoping to offload Marius Zaliukas following failed attempts to snare Scott Allan.

The 31-year-old Lithuanian still has 11 months on his contract at Ibrox but rumours persist he is surplus to requirements after the arrival of defenders Danny Wilson, Rob Kiernan and Dominic Ball.

Zaliukas’ exit is expected to be finalised and announced this week leaving the player looking for a new club before the end of the summer transfer window. (Sunday Post)

- Mark Warburton has insisted that his side will not be negative about the plastic pitch at Alloa before their tie on Sunday.

Rangers have regularly complained about playing on artificial surfaces as they have made their way back up through the divisions. Following a training session at Indodrill Stadium earlier this week, Warburton has reportedly insisted it will not pose an issue to his squad. (Sunday Express)

Jackie McNamara brands Accies defeat worst of his tenure

Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara has reportedly branded the first half display of his side against Hamilton as the worst display of his tenure as a manager.

The Tannadyce outfit were humbled by a 4-0 crushing defeat at New Douglas Park.

McNamara was the target of taunting by away supporters in the second half, during which he is quoted as saying that United ‘gifted’ them goals. (STV)

Rangers crowd sold move to Nathan Oduwa

On loan Tottenham youngster Nathan Oduwa reportedly decided to move to Rangers after seeing the number of fans at Ibrox.

Oduwa was apparently impressed that there were very few empty seats at the 50,000-capacity Ibrox Stadium.

Mark Warburton reportedly said that Spurs also trusted Oduwa and fellow loanee Nathan Ball because of the size of the club. (Scotland on Sunday)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Scottish top-flight clubs stand to make £150,000 each from Uefa’s solidarity fund if Celtic reach the Champions League group stage. (Scotland on Sunday)

• St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright is reportedly irked by poor refereeing decision in his side’s match against Dundee. (STV)

• Rangers are to farm out midfielder Andy Murdoch, 20, despite regular first team appearances. (Sunday Mail)

Rumour Mill: Scott Allan | Celtic | Marius Zaliukas