Rumour Mill: Scott Brown back

Celtic captain Scott Brown is back training and could soon return to first team action. Picture: SNS

Rangers settle with former director Imran Ahmad

Rangers have agreed an out-of-court settlement with former commercial director Imran Ahmad, who was suing the club for breach of contract.

Ahmad last week won the right to arrest £620,000 from the club’s bank account pending the court case in light of their ongoing financial difficulties.

Rangers were given leave to appeal that Court of Session decision with their case due to be heard in two months, but they announced an imminent end to the case in a statement to the London Stock Exchange on Friday morning.

Ahmad had claimed he was owed £500,000 in unpaid bonuses from Rangers.

Scott Brown is back but Charlie Mulgrew now faces lengthy lay off

Scott Brown could be set to make a comeback for Celtic tomorrow. The Celtic and Scotland skipper is on the verge of handing his club and country a massive boost by returning ahead of schedule from a horror hamstring injury. However both Ronny Deila and Gordon Strachan were hit by a major blow after learning that Charlie Mulgrew may be out with a knee injury that may require surgery. Celtic boss confirmed that Brown may even feature tomorrow, he said: “Scott looks very well and may even feature in the game on Saturday.” (Various)

Virgil Van Dijk insists he is fully committed to Celtic

Ronny Deila insists Virgil Van Dijk is fully committed to Celtic and he wants to build his new look defence round the defender. Dutch defender Van Dijk told Celtic he wanted to quit Parkhead following their Champions League exit. But the Hoops denied £8 million-rated Van Dijk the chance of a deadline-day move to the English Premier League, amid interest from Southampton, Swansea and Newcastle, and told him he was going nowhere. Deila dropped the defender for their last outing against Dundee claiming he wasn’t mentally right for the clash. However since his return from international duty, Van Dijk insists he’s focused on Celtic. Deila said: I have no concerns about his commitment. I can honestly say I’m really happy about his situation and have no concerns. I can see his body language and he is happy. Now he is focused on getting good results with Celtic and getting better.” (Express)

Ally McCoist hopes fans will keep backing his team

Ally McCoist insists he understands the concerns of the fans now considering a renewed boycott of crisis-hit Rangers - but hopes they will continue to back his team. The Sons of Struth protest group are poling their members to gauge feelings over a complete stay-away following another week of turmoil at Ibrox. Should a majority agree then they will ask the wider Rangers fan base to join them. The move came after controversy over a photograph of Sandy Easdale, chairman of the football board, meeting with convicted fraudster Raft Rizvi. (Mail)

Mike Ashley could be set to bid for Rangers

Mike Ashley is preparing to become the front-runner in an effort to save Rangers another financial collapse. The Newcastle United owner has made positive moves to sell the St James’ Park club and bring to an end a troubled seven-year reign on Tyneside as he turns his attention to Ibrox. There is already interest in United - even at the asking of around £230 million - and any quick deal would allow Ashley to immediately focus on the Gers. News of Ashley’s bid comes on the day Rangers’ fans are expected to find out how successful the board’s latest share issue has been. (Express)

News in brief:

• Inverness swept the boards in this months SPFL awards, with boss John Hughes and midfielders Ross Draper and Ryan Christie winning their respective categories. (Express)

• Alan Stubbs says his players won’t be intimidated and that they can’t be bullied out of games. (Express)

• Cowdenbeath have taken Celtic defender Marcus Fraser on loan. (Various)

• John Guidetti says he’s ready to play and hopes to get goals for Celtic. (Various)

Rumour Mill: Scott Brown back | Rangers settle