Rumour Mill: Ambrose defends Juve performance | Craig Whyte in Ticketus battle

EFE Ambrose has hit out at critics of his performance in Celtic’s game with Juventus this week, saying that no one player should be blamed for the 3-0 defeat, while Scotland have fallen below the Cape Verde Islands in the FIFA World Rankings.

The Nigerian international started on Tuesday, just 48 hours after lifting the African Cup of Nations in South Africa, and has been blamed by fans and team-mates for some of the side’s defensive mishaps.

Ambrose said: “Jet-lag did not affect my performance - I was not affected by the journey. It is just that football did not go our way on the night. If we had won, I would not have been criticised.” (The Sun)

Cape Verde Islands overtake Scots

The Cape Verde Islands have overtaken Scotland in the latest FIFA World Rankings. The African Cup of Nations quarter-finalists, with a population of 500,000, have risen to 63rd in the world, ahead of the 64th place Scots.

The sides are locked in something of a stalemate, having traded positions in four of the last six sets of rankings. (Various)

Craig White set for Ticketus legal battle

Ticketus are set to up the legal pressure on former Rangers owner Craig Whyte. The company loaned Whyte £27 million to fund his purchase of the club, and have lodged proceedings through a series of private hearings in London to try and reclaim the money. (Record)

‘Inverness doesn’t deserve us’, says Butcher

Terry Butcher has said that he is unsure whether Inverness deserves an SPL team.

The Caley Thistle manager made the claim after just over 2,500 people turned up for his side’s 1-1 draw at Kilmarnock.

“I honestly don’t know how much more we can do,” he said. “We played some of the best football of the season.” (Various)

Kilmarnock’s Shiels in yet more trouble

Kenny Shiels is set for another SFA rap after his latest outburst was included in the referee’s report.

The Kilmarnock boss was sent off for kicking a water bottle, then climbed onto a beam behind the dugout. It was Shiels’ first game back from a four-match touchline ban.

McFadden could make Motherwell return

Motherwell could offer James McFadden a contract for the remainder of the season.

The Scotland international was released by Sunderland earlier in the season, and is fully fit for the first time in two and a half years. McFadden was close to signing with Nottingham Forest, but the move collapsed after Alex McLeish left the club. (Record)

Craig Brown may need top-six finish

Aberdeen boss Craig Brown may need a top six finish to save his job at Pittodrie. Aberdeen vice-chairman George Yule said that any discussion of managerial personnel was premature despite Brown’s contract expiring at the end of the season. Yule stated, however, that the club’s “primary focus” is a top-six finish. (Express)

• Ross County are set to vote against the SPL and SFL’s planned 12-12-18 restructuring plans.

• Ian Ferguson has been linked with the Partick Thistle job. The former Rangers midfielder was sacked by Australian side Perth Glory this week.