Rumour Mill: Celtic board '˜cowards' | Kane Hemmings to China for Â£2m?

Beijing are interested in Kane Hemmings. Picture: SNS

Celtic board branded “cowards” by Vidar Riseth

Former Celtic player Vidar Riseth has labelled the club’s board “cowards” for their failure to properly support manager Ronny Deila.

The Norwegian has come into strong criticism this year for a disappointing European campaign and inconsistent league form.

However, Riseth believes Deila has been handicapped by the club’s strategy of selling off their best players for a profit, something which he believes they don’t make perfectly clear as their intention to fans and the media.

He said: “I wish the board had gone to the media and explained the plan they have for the club, but they say nothing. And I think that’s cowardly. They are cowards.” (The Scottish Sun on Sunday)

Kane Hemmings wanted by Chinese side

In-form Dundee striker Kane Hemmings is on the radar of Beijing Renhe.

The 23-year-old has netted 18 goals already this term and this has alerted the Chinese second division side, who recently nabbed former Rangers hitman Nikica Jelavic for £2m.

It is believed the club are looking to make a similar offer to Dundee. If they do it’s highly likely the player will join Osman Sow and Ryan McGowan in leaving the SPFL for greater riches in China. (Sunday Express)

St Johnstone consider switch to plastic pitch

St Johnstone are considering installing an artificial surface for their McDiarmid Park pitch.

The Perth club have been plagued this season by troubles with the playing surface, which has come under criticism from both opposition and Saints players alike.

Due to the cost of maintaining a healthy grass pitch, clubs across Scottish have turned to synthetic turf, and it seems St Johnstone might be the latest to make the switch. (The Scottish Sun on Sunday)

Robbie Neilson blames referee after Tannadice loss

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson believes match official Kevin Clancy was wrong to send off defender Jordan McGhee, leaving his side at a one-man disadvantage for a long stretch of their 2-1 loss to Dundee United.

Neilson insists he’s looked at the challenge, which saw McGhee receive a second yellow card, and doesn’t think it’s even a foul.

“I’ve seen it again and it’s a good tackle,” said Neilson. “I can’t fault the players. They worked hard and dominated the game with ten men.” (The Scottish Sun on Sunday)

Aberdeen ‘still in the title race’ – Russell Anderson

Former captain Russell Anderson insists Aberdeen are still very much in the Ladbrokes Premiership title race despite falling six points behind Celtic.

Derek McInnes’ side had a real chance to put pressure on their title rivals at the beginning of the week. However, a defeat to Inverness coupled with Friday’s game with Partick Thistle falling victim to the weather has left them trailing behind once more.

Despite this, Anderson says the battle is “not over yet” and Aberdeen can still take the race down to the wire. (The Mail on Sunday)

Conor McGrandles suffers double leg break

Falkirk will be without young midfielder Conor McGrandles for the remainder of the season after he suffered a double leg break in their 1-0 victory over Morton.

McGrandles was loaned back to his former club in January from Norwich City. He sustained the injury in a challenge with Morton’s Joe McKee. (Various)

Hampden Park turf in disrepair ahead of League Cup final

The Hampden Park turf could be a source of embarrassment when Hibs and Ross County meet in the League Cup final next month.

The showpiece event will take place in three weeks time and it’s doubtful whether the SFA will be able to sort out problems with the turf before that time.

There are areas of the park which are cracked, broken and covered in sand, as the health of the turf suffered due to the harsh winter weather. (Sunday Post)

Title win will keep me at Celtic - Ronny Deila

CELTIC manager Ronny Deila said last night that he believed a title win should secure him a third season in charge. The Norwegian has previously accepted he would not deserve to remain in post were the league lost to Aberdeen.

A patchy 3-0 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle yesterday allowed his team to open up a six-point gap over Derek McInnes’s men. With that lead, the subject of his job security could be flipped and Deila was asked if he felt he would deserve to stay on in the event of winning the league. He concurred.

“I really, really expect to be here next season, and that’s what I want of course,” he said. (Scotland on Sunday)

Rumour Mill: Celtic board '˜cowards' | Kane Hemmings to China for Â£2m? | Robbie Neilson rages at referee