The Rumour Mill: Friday’s football news and gossip

Kyle fears his career may be over

Kevin Kyle has admitted that his career may be over as he struggles to regain fitness after a hip operation. The Hearts striker, who has not kicked a ball in almost nine months, said: “It is a career-threatening injury I’ve had and, yes, my career is threatened.” Although Kyle says that his surgeons are confident he will return to action, he suffered a setback recently and admits he has “no idea” when he will be match-fit again. (Mail)

McCoist open-minded over English move

Ally McCoist last night refused to rule out the Old Firm switching to the English Premier League in the future, after Rangers owner Craig Whyte resurrected the controversial topic earlier in the week. McCoist said: “Could it happen? Of course, absolutely. Television has a far bigger say in the proceedings than a lot of people would imagine ... I, for one, am not going to say it’s never going to happen.” He also pointed out the potential benefits: “If Rangers and Celtic could get involved in that, the financial side would be absolutely fantastic.” (Various)

Lennon: Penalty decision ‘disgraceful’

Celtic manager Neil Lennon last night laid the blame for his side’s failure to kick-start their Europa League Group I campaign firmly at the door of Turkish referee Bulent Yildirim. Lennon was incensed by the official’s award of an 87th-minute penalty to Udinese. “It was a disgraceful decision,” railed Lennon. “Gary Hooper did all he could to get out of the way of the Udinese player. For our penalty kick, the referee deliberated for 20 to 30 seconds and I can’t understand that.” (Scotsman)

Levein defends O’Connor omission

Craig Levein defended his omission of Garry O’Connor from the Scotland squad yesterday, insisting that the Hibernian striker’s off-field issues would be an unwelcome distraction as the team prepare for their final Euro 2012 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Spain. (Scotsman)

West Brom in for Allan

West Brom are set to make a second bid for Dundee United midfield youngster Scott Allan. The Baggies failed with an offer of around £300,000 earlier this week but haven’t given up, despite the fact that the Tannadice contract rebel would not be eligible to play until the January transfer window opens. (Sun)

Pascali dismisses Broadfoot’s ‘lies’

The war of words between Manuel Pascali and Kirk Broadfoot continued last night, with the Kilmarnock captain dismissing the Rangers defender’s death threats claims as “lies”. Broadfoot said their Ibrox tunnel bust-up was sparked by Pascali threatening to kill him, but the Italian said: “It’s lies. I’d never use a word such as kill.” (Record)

Aberdeen results are coming, says Brown

Aberdeen manager Craig Brown claims his side are only a “fingertip” away from improving results as he urged the Dons fans to support their team against Dunfermline tonight. (Scotsman)