Rumour Mill: Scott Brown | Fernando Ricksen

Scott Brown will hope his ban for kicking Neymar is cut today. Picture: Getty

Fernando Ricksen benefit game mooted

ALLY McCoist has backed the idea of a benefit match for stricken Gers hero Fernando Ricksen.

Ricksen revealed yesterday that he is suffering from motor neurone disease, and Rangers could now be set to play a charity game against Fortuna Sittard, where Ricksen is a coach.

McCoist said: “(Ricksen) was trying to organise a game between Fortuna Sittard and Rangers.

“Some kind of game for his benefit now would be great. We would be open to do anything we can to help.”

Scott Brown appeal takes place today

UEFA will hear Scott Brown’s appeal against a three match Champions League ban later today.

The Celtic captain was sent off against Barcelona for kicking Neymar, and is set to miss two of Celtic’s three remaining games in the pool stage.

Brown is set to appear in person in Switzerland for the appeal.

McColl wants Purslow as Gers CEO

JIM McColl has confirmed former Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow is set to take on a chief executive role at Rangers in the event of a boardroom shake-up.

McColl is one of the men leading the revolt against the current regime at Ibrox, and is now laying the groundwork in the event of taking control.

The chief executive role was advertised in the Financial Times yesterday. (Scotsman)

Celtic ‘can’t hit road for Champions League’

UEFA are set to block any attempt by Celtic to take a Champions League qualifier on the road to Dublin or a northern English city.

The governing body say a request would only be granted in “extreme circumstances”, with Celtic Park’s use as a Commonwealth Games venue insufficient for a move.

Ciftci faces linesman attack charge

THE SFA have charged Dundee United striker Nadir Ciftci with attacking an assistant referee during his side’s League Cup loss to Inverness Caley Thistle.

Ciftci faces two charges relating to the melee which saw him sent off - raising his hands at Carl Tremaco, and grabbing assistant referee Gavin Harris by the throat. The charge of assaulting a match official carries a maximum ban of 16 games.

Edinburgh Derby: McPake sorry for red card, Hamill hails Stevenson

• HIBS captain James McPake has apologised to the club’s fans after he was sent off in the closing stages of their Edinburgh derby loss to Hearts on Wednesday.

McPake was given a straight red for a wild lunge at Callum Paterson, and said on Twitter: “All I can do is apologise to the Hibs fans… believe me I’m hurting.”

• JAMIE Hamill has hailed the goal-scoring heroics of Ryan Stevenson, whose leg was being held in a brace just 48 hours before scoring the wonder goal which beat Hibs.

Hamill said: “For him to go out and play the way he did and score that goal was just unbelievable.”

IN OTHER NEWS

• JURGEN Klinsmann will bring “the strongest squad possible” to Hampden when his USA team take on Scotland in two weeks’ time.

• JOE Shaugnessy was hit with a £150 bill for fish and chips after his side’s League Cup win over Motherwell - the Aberdeen defender was made to buy the team dinner after being sent off early on in the 2-0 win.