Rumour Mill: McCall | Deila | McNamara

Rangers manager Stuart McCall watches over training. Picture: SNS Group

Stuart McCall: A win for Rangers at all costs

RANGERS boss Stuart McCall has reportedly said it’s all about the points and not form as Rangers face up to Dumbarton on Saturday.

Looking to extend their advantage over promotion rivals Hibernian and move four points clear, McCall says it’s a win at all costs for Gers.

The Ibrox men have only one win - a 2 - 1 victory over Hibs - out of the last five games to show for their efforts. McCall hopes their inconsistency will not stop them hitting top gear.

He said: “It is about the result. Obviously you want to put in a performance and there is a way to win but it is about the result.

“We have a decent record against them this year but it is always difficult going down there. It is a game we have got to go and win, it is as simple as that.” (Evening Times)

Ronny Deila discusses Lennon Treble meeting

Celtic head coach Ronny Deila has discussed his short meeting with his predecessor on Thursday afternoon, saying that Neil Lennon had offered him his full support.

The pair met to watch Celtic’s Development Squad and Manchester City. Deila has said it was great sharing the former Parkhead boss’ wisdom.

Deila also revealed they discussed the Treble.

Lennon never achieved the Treble during his tenure at the club, having not been done since 2001. Deila could make history by the end of the season.

McInnes wary of United threat

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has reportedly warned his side to underestimate out-of-form Dundee United at their peril on Saturday.

Jackie McNamara’s Dundee United outfit had not won in the Premiership since January until their luck changed against Hamilton last week with a 1 - 0 victory.

United have also had an edge over Aberdeen with a 3 - 0 rout against the Dons on the opening day of the season and a 2 - 1 win in the League Cup semi-final.

McInnes said: “Dundee United still have the potential to finish having had a decent campaign.

“You wouldn’t have expected them to go so long without winning a game.

“The Celtic games maybe took a bit out of them in terms of confidence but I still think they’re a good team.” (Press and Journal)

Jackie McNamara calls for bigger league

Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara has reportedly called for the Premiership to be expanded in a bid to freshen up Scottish football.

He apparently believes that an extended top tier could improve the standard of football played in Scotland, insisting there are enough good clubs to bolster the Premiership.

An expansion would see the top clubs of the Championship move into the top flight. He pointed to the fact that Hibs and Falkirk are in the last four of the Scottish Cup.

Speaking to BBC Scotland, McNamara said: “We have enough good teams in the Championship to extend the league and make it more exciting.

“Some countries only play 30 games a season and we’ve played Celtic seven times this season.

“It’s shown in even the cup games - there are Championship teams in the semi-final tomorrow.” (The Daily Record)

Ronny Deila: Football should control the TV companies

Celtic’s Ronny Deila has slammed the SPFL, telling it that the rights of the fans have to come before TV company deals and demands.

The Hoops gaffer hit over just days after the furore over the re-scheduling of the final day fixtures in the Championship.

Similarly, Celtic’s post-split fixtures sees them playing twice on Friday nights to suit TV audiences.

He said: “I think TV is an issue that I don’t like in terms of the kick-off times,” said Deila. “It should not be TV that controls football - it should be the opposite.

“It should be about the supporters and the clubs so that they can make money by getting people into the stands because that is what we live for.” (Evening Times)

Hearts desperate to make amends after derby loss

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has insisted his side are desperate to make amends for last weekend’s embarrassing derby defeat when they face Raith Rovers at Tynecastle this afternoon.

Newly-crowned champions, Hearts suffered a humbling 2 - 0 defeat at the hands of local rivals Hibs last Sunday.

Neilson said: “It was a disappointing performance for all of us. The players were angry as well. They felt they had let themselves down.

“We did not play the game the way we wanted to play it.

“Although we’ve had a great season the derbies are still important. Not to win it was really disappointing for us and the fans.

“So we know now on Saturday we have to turn up and put in a better performance.” (The Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Dundee manager Paul Hartley has signed a new three-year contract after leading his side into the top six of the Premiership. (The Herald)

• Dundee United have been dealt a double injury blow with news the season could be over for Ryan Dow and Paul Paton. (Evening Telegraph)

Rumour Mill: McCall | Deila | McNamara | McInnes