Rumour Mill: Rangers | Samaras

Former Rangers director Paul Murray has called for Gardiner's appointment to be blocked. Picture: Getty

‘Don’t hire Scot Gardiner’ say Rangers rebels

PAUL Murray and Jim McColl have hit out at plans to appoint Scot Gardiner to the vacant CEO role at Ibrox.

Gardiner, the current chief executive at Dundee, has been approached by the current Rangers board over the role.

However, Murray’s group of shareholders are keen to see a new board installed at next month’s AGM, and Murray said that the plan to appoint a new CEO “beggars belief”. (Record)

Samaras suffers Greek injury scare

CELTIC striker Georgios Samaras has handed Neil Lennon a fresh injury worry while on Greek national duty.

Samaras limped out of a training session with a knee injury, and will have a scan later today to reveal whether any damage has been done.

Greek trainers say they “will not take any chances” with the Celtic talisman. (Record)

Caley Thistle make Laszlo move

FORMER Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo has reportedly been approached by Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who are hunting a replacement for Terry Butcher.

Laszlo has been invited to hand in a formal application for the Highland post after expressing his interest in the job last week. (P&J)

Hibs stars “playing for their jobs”

NEW Hibernian manager Terry Butcher has warned the Easter Road squad that they are playing for their careers.

Speaking at his unveiling as Hibs manager, Butcher said: “I could easily say I want to bring in seven or eight players, but we have to go with the budget we’ve got and what’s available.

“But I want the current squad to cut… what needs to be done in January. They’re playing for the jersey, the club and their careers.” (Scotsman)

McGhee: “We haven’t asked Caulker - but we might”

SCOTLAND assistant manager Mark McGhee has denied reports that Cardiff’s Steven Caulker will be asked to switch allegiances from England to Scotland.

McGhee said: “We’ve had nothing to do with that.

“What we are aware of is that Caulker meets the criteria… we will always look to pick players who are good enough when they fall within the rules.”

ICT chairman rages at Cup tie timing

THE decision to play Inverness’ League Cup semi-final on a Sunday lunchtime in Edinburgh is dangerous and unfair, according to ICT chairman Kenny Cameron.

Cameron said: “It is unfair to ask our supporters to go down the A9 in darkness.”

The game is set for Sunday 2 February at 12:15pm - no public transport leaving Inverness on a Sunday arrives in Edinburgh before 1pm.

Aberdeen play St Johnstone at Tynecastle on Saturday 1 February at 3pm.

IN OTHER NEWS

• Hearts midfielder Jason Holt is out for the rest of the year after breaking a bone in his foot during training.

• Former Scotland defender Matt Elliott is the new head coach at Bangkok’s Army United.

• The national side will wear a new adidas kit for the first time on Friday - the strip feature a monochrome badge and some tartan on the cuffs.

Rumour Mill: Rangers | Samaras | Csaba Laszlo