Rumour Mill: Rangers EGM | Celtic

Dark clouds are gathering over Ibrox as the stormy EGM appraoches. Picture: TSPL

Rangers move EGM back to Ibrox as second hotel cancels

The battle for boardroom control of Rangers will be won and lost on home soil after the club’s current directors were forced into a dramatic U-turn over the venue for their critical general meeting of shareholders.

Despite criticism of the decision to choose London for the GM, Rangers then insisted they would seek an alternative venue in the city. Yesterday, they released a 7am statement to the stock exchange announcing it would now take place at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel in the Tower Hamlets area of London.

However, this hotel soon cancelled as well, with the situation becoming more farcical by the hour, Rangers were left with little option but to accede to the overwhelming wishes of most of their shareholders by deciding the GM will now take place at Ibrox. It is not yet clear whether it will remain on 4 March. (Scotsman)

John Collins says Craig Gordon is one of the great Celtic deals

Craig Gordon’s name was last night placed in the pantheon of great Celtic signings by assistant John Collins as the keeper prepared to shut out Inter Milan.

Collins paid the Hoops No.1 the ultimate compliment of bracketing Gordon with Henrik Larsson and Lubo Moravcik as the best value for money signings made by the club.

Gordon came in for nothing in the summer after being out of the game with a knee injury for two years.

He said: “Craig will be up there – he has got to be spoken about in the same bracket as those two.

“Goalkeepers get better with age and mature. He is just pure class.” (Daily Record)

Dave King more confident than ever of EGM win

King has declared his utter confidence he would win enough votes to overthrow David Somers, James Easdale, Barry Leach and Derek Llambias from their positions on the board after calling the general meeting.

King has again urged fans to use the proxy vote, but this time is stopping short of asking them not to turn up at their own ground for the meeting, which is expected to last only a few minutes.

He also made a plea for calm amid allegations from Llambias he was subject to an assault by fans in a city centre hotel last week as he enjoyed a drink with Leach. (Evening Times)

Deila’s warning to Celtic over damaged but dangerous Inter Milan

Celtic’s two ties against Inter as viewed by many as the acid test to show how far the club have come.

But Deila is convinced he already knows the answer to that.

He said: “You get answers, of course.

“But I think we can see the difference now in the team from two or three months ago.”

However, Deila warned against complacency, though he accepts they are not the Inter of a few years ago, he said: “They will have our respect.

“They have a good manager now and they got new players in during the last window, big stars.

“So, it is going to be a good game.” (Evening Times)

Farid El Alagui setting his sights on Hibs return

Hibs are hopeful striker Farid El Alagui will play his first match in over six months when the club’s Under-20 side travel to face St Johnstone on March 3.

Having returned to full training last week, hopes were raised that the French-born Moroccan could have featured in next Tuesday’s Development League clash away at Kilmarnock. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Dundee United kid Scott Fraser proving to be major hit at Airdrie

Dundee United youngster Scott Fraser is doing well on loan at Airdrie.

He was the Man of the Match in the 3-1 home win over Forfar which has strengthened the Diamonds’ chances of making the League One play-offs.

The talented midfield man netted Airdrie’s third with a super strike and, naturally, admitted he “enjoyed the game.” (Evening Telegraph)

Dundee are hitting form at just the right time, says Gary Harkins

Dundee are hitting form at just the right time, according to supporters’ favourite Gary Harkins. He said: “We’re doing alright in the league, picking up points. And that’s just what we need to be doing at this time of the season.

“We think we can keep a hold of the top-six spot, that’s the aim. That’s what we’re hoping to do, so fingers crossed.” (Evening Telegraph)

News in brief:

• Dave Mackay deal is extended at St Johnstone (Evening Telegraph)

• Partick Thistle confirm that 19-year-old Declan McDaid has signed an extension to his contract and will now remain at Firhill until at least the end of the 2016/17 season. (Various)

• Sam Allardyce held crunch talks with West Ham yesterday - and now looks to be heading for the exit. (Mirror)

• FA Cup heroes Bradford City have been snubbed by the BBC once again, the channel will be showing Man United v Arsenal instead. (Mirror)

• Wayne Rooney has apologised to Preston keeper Thorsten Stuckman. (Mirror)

Rumour Mill: Rangers EGM | Celtic | Dave King