The Rumour Mill: Sunday’s Scottish football news and gossip

In today’s Rumour Mill: Scott Brown causes a fuss after Celtic’s win over Kilmarnock, Neil Lennon talks about the SPL without Rangers, and could Kenny Dalglish be the next Scotland boss?

Brown storms out of press conference

Celtic’s Scott Brown has caused a stir by storming out of a press conference after yesterday’s 3-1 win over Kilmarnock.

The Hoops skipper ended his drought by scoring (thereby winning him a £20 bet with manager Neil Lennon) during some fine form which has been attributed to a return to health after being plagued by a hip injury. When asked about the injury, Brown’s mood took a dip before he walked out. He said:” I think we have had enough talk of the surgery. It’s boring me now, so I think we will get on to other things.”

“We have a big game on Wednesday against Arbroath and that’s the main thing,” he added, before leaving. (Various)

• Celtic boss Neil Lennon has admitted that life in the SPL is strange without Rangers, even questioning whether Celtic would have done so well in the Champions’ League had they still been in the top flight.

“There is definitely less of an edge and you can feel that with the fans as well at times with Rangers not being there,” he said.

“Who knows, if Rangers had been here would we have had this run in the Champions’ League? I don’t know.” (Sun)

SFA has eye on Dalglish

The Scottish Football Association are said to be considering Kenny Dalglish as a possible replacement for Craig Levein.

Dalglish is thought to be one of the SFA’s top considerations as they look to compile a four-man shortlist next month ahead of candidate interviews. (Sunday Mail)

McCoist won’t hold back players at Christmas celebrations

Rangers boss Ally McCoist has said he won’t stop players at the troubled club from partying this Christmas as he believes it would be hypocritical of him to ban it.

“It’s very much a poacher turned gamekeeper situation; do as I say, not as I did,” added McCoist.

He said: “I’m all for the boys having a Christmas party at the right time.

“But it’s crucial it’s done at the right time, this is a very busy month for us with five games in 17 days.” (Sunday Express)

In Brief

• St Johnstone striker Gregory Tade believes they can go all the way in the Scottish Cup. (Sunday Express)

• Hibs defender Alan Maybury has warned that the Edinburgh side must get back on track after losing another away game. (Sunday Mail)