Rumour Mill: Ally McCoist Rangers talks | Islam Feruz | SFA slammed

Ally McCoist set for talks to resolve gardening leave; Islam Feruz vows to shake off ‘bad boy’ image and Pat Nevin and Craig Burley lead attacks on the SFA after Tbilisi shambles
Talks: Ally McCoist, who is still on gardening leave from Rangers. Picture: Robert PerryTalks: Ally McCoist, who is still on gardening leave from Rangers. Picture: Robert Perry
Talks: Ally McCoist, who is still on gardening leave from Rangers. Picture: Robert Perry

McCoist and King to hold talks

ALLY McCoist is to hold talks with Dave King in a bid to resolve his gardening leave, according to reports.

McCoist was placed on gardening leave by the last Ibrox regime after announcing he would step down at the end of his contract.

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But a compensation package for McCoist has yet to be agreed, with the Ibrox legend entitled to cash until December - but the former Scotland and Kilmarnock striker could forego almost £200,000 in a bid to resolve the long-running issue. (The Sun)

Feruz wants to shake off ‘bad boy’ image

Islam Feruz wants to be judged on what he does now rather than his past, with the ex-Celtic starlet due to make his Hibs debut against Alloa on Saturday.

Alan Stubbs sprang a major surprise in snapping up the striker – who turns 20 tomorrow – from Chelsea, signing him on a season-long loan, a deal which brought its own “handle with care” warning from former SFA performance director Mark Wotte.

But Feruz insisted: “I have a long-term contract with Chelsea and it’s up to me to do well with my loan spells and help me get back on that path. I got a phone call from my agent and he told me how good this move would be to get my football up and running again.”

“I have always believed in myself and my ability as a footballer, even in the past couple of years. I know that I can do a job with Chelsea. (The Scotsman)

Hibs keen to get Anier up to speed

HIBS boss Alan Stubbs has revealed he plans to get new signing Henri Anier “up to speed” as quickly as possible after the striker reported for duty earlier than expected.

The 24-year-old had been called up for Estonia’s European Championship qualifying double-header against Lithuania and Slovenia but was released from the squad, allowing him to join his new team-mates at East Mains as they prepare for Saturday’s Championship clash with Alloa Athletic.

And Stubbs is hoping to get the on-loan Dundee United forward involved with his first team as quickly as possible but pointed out the player hadn’t featured at all this season for the Tannadice club before his transfer deadline day move to Easter Road. (Evening News)

Nevin slams SFA over Tbilisi shambles

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PAT Nevin has launched an astonishing attack on the SFA after the Scotland squad were forced to eat burgers after defeat to Georgia.

And Nevin hit out at Scottish football’s governing body over the fiasco that saw the team only return to Scotland 12 hours after the final whistle.

The former Scotland international also took aim at the lack of legroom on the flight, and called on Hampden top brass to spend money on a charter flight in future, and blasted the lack of sports scientists ensuring the players had proper food after the match. (Scottish Sun)

Burley blasts SFA ‘balloons’

EX-Celtic midfielder Craig Burley has also launched a scathing attack on the SFA, branding them ‘balloons’ and claiming they ‘couldn’t start a fire in a gas station’.

Former Scotland star Burley, who now works for ESPN in the USA, hit out at the SFA, calling them ‘an absolute joke’ and ranting about the lack of organisation over the Georgia trip.

SFA bosses have claimed bad weather was to blame and thus the situation was outwith their control. (Various)

McGhee calls on Fletcher to be ‘more selfish’

SCOTLAND assistant boss Mark McGhee has called on under-fire striker Steven Fletcher to be more selfish in front of goal.

McGhee said: “Sometimes it’s just about the service he gets. Could he score more? Definitely, yeah. Steven is a terrific player with a lovely balance about him. He has that quality first touch, he has vision, he can play people in and he keeps the ball under pressure the way a lot of the Germans do. He keeps the continuity of the possession. So he’s very significant that way.

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“One of the things, though, that he has to think about is goals and maybe being a little bit more selfish in terms of the areas of the park he runs into.” (The Scotsman)

Irish footballer ‘had no idea team were playing’

AN IRISH footballer for Longford Town could face a grilling at his next training session - after he only found out about a match his team were involved in on Twitter.

Ex-Wolves and Shamrock Rovers defender Patrick Flynn should have been part of the Longford team facing his old club Shamrock in the Leinster Senior Cup quarter final match - but the 30-year-old was blissfully unaware until checking social media.

In response to Longford Twon’s tweet: “It’s currently 0-0 at the City Calling Stadium in the Leinster Senior Cup quarter final vs Shamrock Rovers”, Flynn replied: “Is this a joke... have we a match tonight?”

Thankfully everyone involved seemed to see the funny side. Shamrock won, by the way, if you’re interested. (Talking Baws)