The Rumour Mill: Friday’s football news and gossip

Booing of Black condemned

The Tartan Army has hit out at those amongst the Scotland support who jeered Rangers player Ian Black when he made his debut against Australia this week.

Tartan Army spokesperson Hamish Husband said: “I was stunned.” (Scotsman)

Kuqi signs on at Easter Road

Pat Fenlon has bolstered his Hibs side with the club’s eighth signing of the summer, Finnish striker Shefqi Kuqi. The Kosovo-born forward has agreed a one-year deal with the Easter Road side.

McGregor doubt for World Cup qualifier

Allan McGregor is doubtful for Scotland’s first World Cup qualifier against Serbia after he limped off half way through the first half against Australia with a groin strain. (Scotsman)

Ross County in Riordan talks

Newly promoted Ross County are talks with former Hibs striker Derek Riordan over move to the Highland side.

It is understood a short term deal is under discussion as Riordan, who is the SPL’s third top goal scorer of all time, looks to ressurect his career following a failed spell in China. (Scotsman)

McCoist remains on the look out for new faces

Rangers manager Ally McCoist says he is hopeful that he can add more faces to his squad before a transfer embargo is imposed on the club in two week’s time.

McCoist has already added Dean Shiels, Francisco Sandaza, Kevin Kyle, Ian Black and Emilson.

Hearts suffering goalkeeping crisis

The Tynecastle club are the look out for another keeper with Mark Ridgers out for three months and Jamie MacDonald on standby as his partner waits to give birth. (Scotsman)

Alex Ferguson calls for peace between Fletcher and Levein

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has called for Scotland coach Craig Levein and Steven Fletcher to strike a peace deal for the saken of the country’s World Cup bid.

Fletcher hasn’t played for the national side since asking to be left out of a friendly tournament in Ireland last season. (Sun)

Rangers set to break attendance record

Ally McCoist’s side are set to break the world attendance record for a fourth tier match when they take on East Stirling in the Third Division.

The record is currently held by Crystal Palace who had 37,774 attend their English Fourth Division match against rivals Milwall.

Celtic handed Champions League boost

Celtic have received a boost ahead of their Champions League play-off against Helsingborgs of Sweden, as top-rated on-loan striker Alfred Finnbogason quit the Swedes to join Dutch side Heerenveen. The Icelandic hitman scored 12 goals in 15 appearances for Helsingborgs.

IN BRIEF

• Celtic striker Daryl Murphy has been ruled out for a month after suffering a hamstring injury during his side’s friendly against Real Madrid

• John McGlynn has called on referees to offer more protection to the SPL’s flair players

• St Johnstone striker Sean Higgins is determined to make an impact this weekend. The injury-hit forward is likely to start for the Perth side as Rowan Vine and Gregory Tade are both suspended

• Peter Pawlett has been told to stay at Pittodrie and fight for a starting slot. The Aberdeen winger has found himself down the pecking order but manager Craig Brown has urged the 21-year-old Scotland international to force his way into the team