The Rumour Mill: Friday’s football news and gossip

In today’s Rumour Mill: Rangers at loggerheads with BBC over TV probe; Lennon hails Celtic players after draw in France; McInnes sees bright future for St Johnstone; plus the rest of the day’s football news and gossip.

Whyte hits back over BBC investigation

Rangers owner Craig Whyte has stated he has “nothing to hide” in an interview timed to precede a BBC Scotland investigation into his business background. Whyte, who has instructed his lawyers to begin legal proceedings against the BBC over allegations made against him in a documentary aired last night, also addressed the rising fear that Rangers may be forced into administration. (Scotsman)

• Craig Whyte has promised fans there will be a £20million investment in Rangers over the next five years. (Express)

Rennes point is Lennon’s ‘proudest moment’

Neil Lennon hailed Celtic’s comeback last night as his proudest moment in Europe as the club’s manager. The Scottish team needed to show substantial character to fight back for a 1-1 Europa League draw against Stade Rennais after suffering a self-inflicted wound when Cha Du-Ri put through his own goal, and Lennon opted to emphasise that character rather than dwell on the first-half mishap. (Scotsman)

Sergio wary of pay ‘distraction’

Hearts manager Paulo Sergio has insisted his players should not have to accept as inevitable the late payment of their salaries and confessed he is unsure whether the issue will prey on their minds ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Rangers. (Scotsman)

McInnes looks back in admiration

Derek McInnes has backed St Johnstone to continue improving after he left the club to take over at Bristol City. McInnes was unveiled at Ashton Gate yesterday morning after impressing the npower Championship club’s board in their recruitment process. (Scotsman)

• Caretaker boss Jody Morris insists he is not thinking past Saturday, although his assistant - St Johnstone youth coach Alec Cleland - says it is an opportunity. (Record)

• Former Australia boss Graham Arnold - currently at the Central Coast Mariners - has thrown his hat into the ring for the McDiarmid Park vacancy. (Sun)

Calderwood sure Hibs can sell talent

Colin Calderwood believes there are players currently at Hibernian who can alleviate the club’s financial plight after a week when a £900,000 loss was announced at Easter Road. “In essence, the assets of the club are the players,” he said. “And I’ve got players that are worth money going forward to this club. I’m determined to give them their chance to display their talent.” (Scotsman)

Dow signs new deal at Tannadice

Dundee United youngster Ryan Dow has signed a two-year contract extension. The 20-year-old wide player has secured his future until May 2014 after forcing his way into the first team. (Scotsman)

• Dundee United playmaker Danny Swanson could be out for up to two months after scans showed up a strain in his medial ligament. (Express)

IN BRIEF

• Former Hearts manager Jim Jefferies - who was sacked in August - says he is ready to return to club management. (Record)

• Junior outfit Rob Roy have signed former Rangers defender Marvin Andrews on a short-term deal. (Record)

• The Scottish Premier League has vowed to explore further the idea of Friday night football. The SPL moved Aberdeen’s home game against Dunfermline to a Friday night last month as a pilot exercise and were encouraged by the results, although Pars fans were not as impressed as their rivals. (Scotsman)

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