Rumour Mill: St Mirren| Rangers| Hearts| Dundee

Danny Lennon reveals the harsh words he had for St Mirren at Half time, war of words over Dundee derby, Ryan Stevenson gutted at cup loss, and Rangers face a title celebration at an empty Ibrox.

Lennon’s speech did the trick

Danny Lennon’s rallying speech at half-time certainly had the desired effect on St Mirren, after the Paisley side lifted the League cup yesterday, having come from behind to beat Hearts 3-2.

“There were some raised voices and some comforting words,” he said. “But the basic message was that they could only end up legends if they got going.

“I got into them a bit. I told them again that opportunities like this don’t come all that often and that for some of them it might be their last chance so to make sure they remembered it for all the right reasons and they did that. (Various)

Derby row brewing

Dundee United ace Michael Gardyne claimed that city rivals Dundee were too heavy-handed in their tackling.

He said: “I played with Gary Irvine at Celtic and Ross County and he was never a dirty player. But in the last derby he was taking bodies for fun. If that is the way they want to play the game then fair play. We will just keep trying to pass the ball. (United boss) John Brown’s obviously brought that to them.”

But Brown responded: “Gardyne wants to have a look at himself and just remember it is a contact sport.” (The Sun)

Stevenson gutted at loss

Hearts star Ryan Stevenson says that losing the League Cup will go down as a low point in his career.

Despite scoring twice, the midfielder is gutted at the loss.

“I’m just massively disappointed with the way the game has turned out. Usually scoring two goals in a final would be something you’ll look back on. But I’ll probably see this as the lowest point of my career.”

And after a rollercoaster year for Hearts fans both on and off the pitch, Stevenson was unhappy at not giving them something positive.

“I am really disappointed we couldn’t repay them,” he added. (Daily Express)

Empty Ibrox celebration fear

Rangers could celebrate winning the Division Three title at an empty Ibrox on Saturday.

With Rangers taking on Stirling Albion at midday, a victory would be enough to secure the championship, as long as Queens Park lose or draw at Annan.

However, the result won’t be known till almost 5pm, by which time the Rangers fans will have left the stadium.

Annan, meanwhile, may still be on a high after claiming Rangers scalp a few weeks ago. (Daily Record)