Rumour Mill: Ibrox protest | Celtic

John Brown is set to lead a fresh protest outside of Ibrox this Friday. Picture: SWNS

John Brown to lead Rangers fan protest

John ‘Bomber’ Brown has pleaded with all fellow ex-Rangers players to join him on the front steps of Ibrox on Friday night to unite against the current board. Brown said: “I would say to any ex-player that, together, we have a responsibility to that club. We had some of the greatest moments of our lives playing football for Rangers and now it’s time for us to give something back.

“The least we can do is jump in a taxi and get over to Ibrox for an hour or so on Friday night. That’s all it takes. Just being there will say everything. It will send out a very loud message.

“Everyone can see that the club is being mismanaged by this present board, as it was by previous directors.

“Well now we have to do something about saving it. Any ex-player who can get to Ibrox on Friday should make a point of doing it. We have to do our bit to get the club back in safe hands because if this board stays in charge it is doomed.” (Daily Record)

Kris Commons winning race to be fit for Inter game

The Celtic boss watched him limp out of Saturday’s Scottish Cup win over Dundee, and it looked like the attacking midfielder would be pushed even to make the second leg in Milan in a fortnight.

But Deila gave an update on his recovery and reported: “Commons can make it for the Inter Milan game next week.”

Lustig, however, will definitely miss both Inter matches with the ankle damage he sustained at Dundee at the weekend.

The disappointed manager said: “It will be some time with Lustig, I hope just two or three weeks.” (Evening Times)

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Ronny Deila delighted with new recruits’ impact

Gary Mackay-Steven said he could barely remember the dramatic goal he scored within the first minute of his debut that helped Celtic on the way to 3-0 victory over Partick Thistle at Firhill last night.

He said: “I have been here over a week now and I was itching to make my debut,” he said. “I was ineligible at the weekend [against Dundee] and I don’t like watching from the stands.

“I wanted to be out there and it was a great experience. It was a bit of a blur to be honest.

“You want to get your first touch right and get settled in to the game,” he added. “To score so early was great for me and for the team and I thought we played really well. We were well worth the three points.

Manager Ronny Delia was equally delighted at the impact his two signings made before next week’s return to European action against Inter Milan.

“We saw in training they are capable of playing at a high level and today they got a good start as well so I am delighted for them and the team as well,” said Delia. (Scotsman)

Lee McCulloch to appear at Hampden for disciplinary hearing

Rangers will find out on Thursday if captain Lee McCulloch will sit out Friday night’s Championship showdown with Hibs at Ibrox.

The 36-year-old is contesting a violent-conduct charge from the Scottish FA after being accused of deliberately standing on Raith Rovers midfielder Dale Carrick during the Ibrox outfit’s 2-1 Scottish Cup exit on Sunday.

McCulloch was offered a two-match ban by SFA compliance officer Tony McGlennan. Should his appeal fail, he would also miss his next Scottish Cup tie in addition to the visit of Alan Stubbs’ men. (Daily Mail)

Derek Johnstone reacts to Roy MacGregor’s comments about Rangers

Derek Johnstone has reacted angrily to Ross County chairman Roy MacGregor’s comments about Rangers. He wrote in the Evening Times: “Rangers are being battered from all quarters at the moment and the last thing they need are people from Ross County having a go.

It is not our fault if County only get a couple of thousand fans at their games or that the SPFL can’t attract sponsors to the game. It is up to the clubs and the league to make the game more attractive, not for Rangers to do it for them.

Yes, we have our problems at the moment. But you can’t blame Scottish football’s problems on us.” (Evening Times)

Nomad warns EGM will be cancelled if fans flock to London

Nomad Paul Shackleton has warned Rangers’make-or-break EGMwill be postponed if too many shareholders travel to London.

Shackleton said: “In the event that a meeting is overwhelmed or disrupted then it will become necessary to adjourn it. This will lead to delays and possibly more cost which is in nobody’s interest.

“I would conclude that anybody who wants to come is entitled (and indeed welcome) to do so, but I don’t see the point in actively encouraging a large physical turn out.” (Various)

Greg Stewart admits derby defeat was what Dundee needed

Dundee striker Greg Stewart admits the crushing New Year’s Day derby defeat to Dundee United spurred him on.

Stewart was speaking after being named SPFL Player of the Month for January.

He said: “I thought I was in with a chance (of the award) because I scored five goals in January, so it was a good month for me personally and for the club overall.

“We had the bad start with the derby, losing 6-2 to United but we then went on an unbeaten run.

“That result gave us a wee boot up the backside and all the boys just got together and said we would have to bounce back. (Evening Telegraph)

News in brief:

• Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has been impressed by Arbroath midfielder Mark Whatley during a week’s trial at Pittodrie. (P and J)

•Paul Lambert could be set for a £10m pay off following his sacking at Aston Villa (Mirror)

• Branislav Ivanovic is facing a disciplinary charge after appearing to headbutt Everton’s James McCarthy. (Mirror)

• Steven Gerrard has been rocked by a hamstring injury. (Mirror)

Rumour Mill: Ibrox protest | Celtic | Lee McCulloch