Rumour Mill: Scottish Uruguay fan | Celtic | Hibs

Uruguay ‘receive support from Scotland’; John Collins revealed he sold Gordon Strachan on Scott Brown transfer and Hibs to start pre-season training managerless

The Scotland fan celebrates with jubilant Uruguay fans in the Corinthians Arena. Picture: Contributed

Tartan bunnet-wearing Scot celebrates Uruguay win

AS URUGUAY recorded a 2-1 win over England last night, TV cameras scoured the crowds packed into the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo looking for jubilant fans of the South Americans.

While there were plenty of Los Charrúas supporters, slap bang in the middle - waving a Saltire and decked out in new away kit and See You Jimmy hat - was a Scotland fan.

You can take the boy out of Scotland...

Collins: I told Strachan to break bank for Brown

JOHN Collins has revealed it was him who convinced the-then Celtic manager Gordon Strachan tobreak the bank for Scott Brown.

In the wake of comments that the appointment of Collins as Ronny Deila’s No 2 would cause issues with the Celtic Park captain, the former Hibs and Charleroi boss rubbished claims that he had an iffy relationship with the Hoops skipper.

Brown was one of a number of Hibs players who went to Rod Petrie’s house to complain about Collins’ coaching methods, but the ex-Monaco midfielder said yesterday: “I think it’s important that we nail this one. I never had any problem with Scott when I was Hibs manager.

“On the training pitch he was brilliant for me. During every match, he was fantastic and that’s why he got his big move to Celtic.

“I actually played a little part in [Scott] coming here as Gordon asked me at the time: ‘What’s the boy Brown like?’ I gave Gordon a glowing reference and told him to make sure he didn’t miss out on Scott.

“I told him to pay whatever it would take to get him as he was a top, top player.” (The Scotsman)

Hibs ‘to train managerless’

HIBERNIAN will start pre-season training with no manager and just a handful of players, despite Easter Road chiefs deciding on a shortlist.

Club bosses denied that the new manager would be unveiled today, in the wake of reports claiming a shortlist of four had been drawn up, thought to include ex-assistant boss Mark Venus and Everton reserves coach Alan Stubbs.

The latter has been given permission to talk to Hibs by the Goodison Park side, who interviewed the ex-Celtic stopper for the Toffees’ managerial post before appointing Roberto Martinez. (The Scotsman)

Nerlinger set for Gers return?

FORMER Ibrox midfielder Christian Nerlinger could be set for a surprise return to Rangers in a director of football-style role.

Nerlinger, who joined Rangers from Borussia Dortmund in 2001, only managed 25 appearances for the club before leaving for Kaiserslautern in 2004, but is understood to have had contact with Ibrox chiefs.

The 41-year-old enjoyed a three-year stint as sporting director at former club Bayern Munich and is believed to be one of a number of candidates under consideration as the Gers look to revamp their football operation.

And sources in Germany believe Nerlinger would jump at the chance, despite being ousted in favour of Matthias Sammer at the Allianz Arena after failing to see eye-to-eye with fellow directors. (Daily Mail)

Locke on verge of rejoining Kilmarnock

GARY Locke is reportedly close to rejoining Kilmarnock as Allan Johnston’s assistant after leaving Hearts earlier this year.

The 39-year-old, who turned out for Killie between 2002 and 2009, was sacked as Hearts brought in Robbie Neilson and Craig Levein.

The Rugby Park side have been without an assistant after Sandy Jardine’s departure last month and could tie up Locke on a deal as early as today. (Various)

• Kilmarnock are also reportedly interested in bringing Blackburn Rovers flop David Goodwillie back to Scottish football. The ex-Dundee United striker returned to Tannadice on loan after signing for the Ewood Park side but failed to make an impact.

Anier joins Erzgebirge

MOTHERWELL have sold Estonian striker Henri Anier to German side Erzebirge Aue for an undisclosed sum, despite there being two years left on his contract.

The forward, who joined on a permanent deal from Viking Stavanger after an impressive loan spell, failed to rediscover his earlier form, and scored just three goals for the Steelmen, who decided to cash in on the hitman. (Various)

News in brief

• Ex-Rangers striker Kane Hemmings has joined Barnsley after leaving Cowdenbeath. The striker had been on trial in America and had been linked with Hibs and Dundee

• Manchester City will take on Hearts in a pre-season friendly as part of the Jambos’ Main Stand centenary celebrations

• Jose Mourinho has admitted he’d love to manage England at some point in the future

• Alan Thompson has returned to football after a spell away from the game - the ex-Celtic midfielder and assistant boss has joined Birmingham City as their new Under-21 chief