Rumour Mill: Falkirk anger | Scott Brown

Peter Houston remonstrates with the fourth official. Picture: Michael Gillen.

Falkirk cry foul over penalty claim

Falkirk boss Peter Houston last night insisted his team were denied a stonewall penalty as they crashed out of the League Cup. But Rangers counterpart Ally McCoist was adamant referee Alan Muir made the right call. Rangers were leading 2-1 when a shot from Falkirk striker Rory Loy - who had given his team an early lead - struck Bilel Moshni’s arm. Muir waved away Falkirk’s plea and Black went on to score a third for Rangers. Houston said: Rory smacked the ball off the player’s arm. My boys are adamant it was a penalty and I certainly thought so too. (Record)

Scott Brown challenges his team mates to step up to the plate

Scott Brown has challenged his team-mates to prove they can handle the pressure of playing for Celtic. Hoops manager Ronny Deila claimed he wants more leaders to emerge from his squad following Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Motherwell. Celtic have won just one of their last seven games and Deila had to rely on half time subs Brown and Kris Commons to help secure a point against the Steelmen. Celtic face Hearts tonight in the League Cup and captain Brown wants the others to show they are good enough to wear the hoops. He said: “It’s about how you cope with fans booing you or applauding you, fans getting on your back and stuff like that. If you can take it at this club then you’ll make it at this club.” (Express)

Ally McCoist insists Dean Shiels still has a place at Rangers

Ally McCoist insists Dean Shiels proved he still has a future at Rangers. Shiels netted Rangers crucial second goal in the 3-1 win over Falkirk and Gers boss McCoist was asked if Shiels was still part of his plans and said: “Absolutely. Shielsy is different in that very few players can play in the hole and link up when you go 4-4-1-1. Shiels is ideally suited to do that. He scores goals too. Look at his record. Anyone who does that will have a future here.” (Sun)

Sir Alex Ferguson gives pep talk to Team Europe at the Ryder Cup

Europe Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley called on the services of Sir Alex Fergusonto inspire his troops with a motivational speech at Gleneagles last night. Ferguson told stories of the glory days at Manchester United and answered questions from a dozen enthralled golfers who all love football. (Mail)

Injury fears for Aberdeen over Ryan Jack

Aberdeen face an anxious wait to see if Ryan Jack’s season is over. The influential midfielder was stretchered off with feared ligament damage in last night’s 4-0 win over Livingston. Boss Derek McInnes said: “It’s the inside of his knee. There is damage and we won’t know how bad it is until he has a scan.” (Express)

News in brief:

• Real Madrid are reported to be eyeing a swoop for Liverpool star Raheem Sterling. (Record)

• Former Rangers player Gavin Rae has signed as a player-coach for fourth tier Australian side Hakaoh Sydney City. (Express)

• Celtic legend John Divers died at the age of 74 yesterday. Divers scored 101 goals in 232 appearances for the club. (Express)

• Liverpool scraped past Middlesborough 14-13 in a nerve shredding finale in the fourth round tie of the League Cup. (Sun)

Rumour Mill: Falkirk anger | Scott Brown | Dean Shiels