The Rumour Mill: Thursday’s football news and gossip

Lennon confident job is safe

Neil Lennon is confident his job as Celtic manager is safe despite a sequence of results that have left his team ten points behind Rangers in the SPL and trailing in their Europa League group. (Scotsman)

• Lennon is looking to Beram Kayal - who has signed an extended contract at Celtic - to spark a revival in the club’s fortunes. He said: “[Kayal is] an important player for us and he’s an emotional kid at times – there is no doubt about that, it’s part of his make-up. But now things have settled down he’ll have no more voices telling him what to do here there and everywhere.” (Scotsman)

• Victor Wanyama believes a clear-the-air meeting earlier this week has helped ensure the Celtic squad remain united despite a disappointing run of results. (Various)

• Rennes will rest star man Yann M’Vila and possibly other major players for tonight’s Europa League clash against Celtic in France. (Express)

• UEFA will sit down tomorrow with Celtic and their three Europa League rivals to discuss various plans to minimise disruption to their campaign so far, if it is forced to reinstate FC Sion into the competition. (Various)

• Defender Jos Hooiveld has asked Celtic to let him make his loan move to Southampton a permanent one. (Sun)

McInnes confirmed as Bristol City boss

St Johnstone chairman Geoff Brown has paid a warm tribute to departing Derek McInnes, who was last night appointed the new manager of Bristol City. (Various)

• Rangers captain David Weir is tipped to replace McInnes at McDiarmid Park. (Record)

• Current St Johnstone player Jody Morris and Arbroath boss Paul Sheerin are also being linked with the vacancy. (Express)

Rangers’ off-field problems may affect title race - McPherson

Former Rangers defender Dave McPherson says ongoing fears over financial issues at Ibrox should make it impossible for anyone at Rangers to get too carried away with the ten-point gap between themselves and their Old Firm rivals. (Scotsman)

• Ibrox will play host to a team of AC Milan legends - including Paolo di Canio, Ruud Gullit and Paolo Maldini - for a charity friendly next year against a team of Rangers greats. (Sun)

• The BBC are in talks with the SPL over new contracts for TV and radio coverage of Scottish football from next summer - and that could provide them with a powerful tool in their dispute with Rangers. (Mail)

Hurt Hughes hits back at Hibs

John Hughes believes he has been forced to exonerate himself in public after again being linked to Hibernian’s recent decline. The former manager has urged Rod Petrie to “let it go” after the chairman once again suggested that Hibs are suffering for the perceived failures of Colin Calderwood’s predecessor. (Scotsman)

• Hibs winger Ivan Sproule believes the next four games could make or break their season. (Express)

Sutton plays waiting game at Tynecastle

Hearts striker John Sutton admits he does not know why manager Paulo Sergio has only granted him fleeting appearances from the subs’ bench, but insists he is prepared to bide his time. “It’s one of those things,” Sutton said. “There is no point feeling sorry for yourself. The fans seem to have been pretty good to me. Everytime I go to warm up from the substitutes’ bench they offer me a lot of encouragement. Hopefully I will get a run of games at some stage and a few chances will fall for me.” (Scotsman)

Latapy makes return with Edinburgh City

Edinburgh City co-manager Gary Jardine has revealed how a tongue-in-cheek request at Ian Murray’s testimonial has led to the minnows capturing Hibernian legend Russell Latapy. The East of Scotland League outfit are celebrating landing the biggest signing in their history after persuading the 43-year-old to come out of retirement to pen terms until January. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Scotland have moved up to 51st in the FIFA world rankings following their win against Liechtenstein and defeat to Spain. (Express)

• Kilmarnock are taking Northern Irish striker Liam Boyce on trial, following the 20-year-old’s release from German side Werder Bremen. (Sun)

• Dunfermline midfielder Nick Phinn is close to making his comeback after a frustrating spell on the sidelines. (Sun)

• Clyde are set to leave Cumbernauld to move to a new community-based stadium in East Kilbride. (Sun)

• Former Hibs, Dundee and Falkirk striker Tam McManus is considering a move to India after being targeted by Pune FC. (Sun)

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