Rumour Mill: George Burley | Joe Ledley

George Burley is the latest big-name manager to express interest in the Inverness job. Picture: Ian Rutherford

George Burley ‘interested’ in ICT job

FORMER Scotland manager George Burley is “interested” in the vacant manager’s job at Inverness Caley Thistle.

The former Hearts boss said: “I have not had any discussions or an approach but if someone was interested in speaking to me, I would speak to them.”

Thistle have reportedly set a midday deadline for applications - Csaba Laszlo, Barry Wilson and Kenny Shiels have all been linked with the role. (P&J/STV)

Joe Ledley silent on Celtic deal

MIDFIELDER Joe Ledley has sparked speculation over his future at Celtic, after refusing to answer questions over his contract situation.

Ledley’s deal runs out in the summer, and there has been little progress on a new contract.

When asked about the situation at a press conference ahead of Wales’ game with Finland, Ledley sidestepped the issue before a Welsh FA official prevented any further questioning. (Record)

Scotland v USA: Fletcher set to start, Klinsmann wary

• STEVEN Fletcher is set to return to the Scotland starting line-up for tonight’s game with the USA.

The Sunderland striker, who injured his ankle on his last Scotland outing against Wales, has been backed by manager Gordon Strachan

• JURGEN Klinsmann expects Scotland to pose a “completely different” challenge than when the teams last met.

The USA beat Scotland 5-1 in Florida in 2012, but Klinsmann believes that an improving Scotland side “can score, and can beat us”.

• Tonight’s friendly will be refereed by 28-year-old Englishman Michael Oliver, who was once described as “pathetic” by Paul Lambert and “a joke” by Hull boss Steve Bruce.

Champions League or bust, says van Dijk

CELTIC defender Virgil van Dijk says the idea of Europa League football has not crossed the minds of the squad, despite sitting bottom of their Champions League pool.

van Dijk said: “Our aim is still the last 16. We are not thinking about the Europa just now. The group is still very tight but we have to step up our game if we are to go through.”

Celtic face AC Milan later this month in Glasgow - defeat would knock them out of the competition.

Scot Gardiner turns down Rangers job

RANGERS have failed in their bid to lure Dundee chief executive Scot Gardiner to Ibrox.

Gardiner, a former Ibrox employee, had been given permission to speak to Rangers’ top brass but turned down the offer to take charge amid a major power struggle.

Dundee’s director of football operations John Nelms said: “We are all very happy.”

• ALLY McCoist has reportedly been interviewed by fraud officers investigating the club’s financial troubles, The Sun claim that McCoist was interviewed over Craig Whyte’s takeover, during which time McCoist was assistant manager.

Keep up form to get new deals, says McInnes

ABERDEEN boss Derek McInnes has told the nine first-team players who are out of contract next year to keep playing well if they want to sign new deals.

McInnes said: “I am well aware of who is out of contract and who isn’t. But the time for dealing with that will be in due course.

“At the moment I feel as if we just have to concentrate on results.” (Express)

IN OTHER NEWS

• JACKIE McNamara has said that he wants to offer Mark Wilson a new contract at Tannadice.

• CELTIC should build a statue of club legend Billy McNeill outside Celtic Park, according to Charlie Nicholas. Statues of Jock Stein, Jimmy Johnstone and club founder Brother Walfrid already sit outside the stadium.

• PARTICK’S Gary Fraser has been given a seven game ban for an attack during an under-20 game against Dunfermline. The on-loan Bolton man is now banned for the rest of his spell at Thistle, although the club are keen to extend the deal.

Rumour Mill: George Burley | Joe Ledley | Rangers