Rumour Mill: Celtic | Boyd | Next round Euro draws

Rangers striker Kris Boyd is out to prove he's worth a long term deal. Picture: SNS

Celtic could face Henning Berg’s Legia Warsaw or a trip to Dublin in the Champion’s League

Henning Berg last night admitted he would love to take on countryman Ronny Deila – and put right his wretched record against Celtic. Former Rangers defender Berg is now in charge of Legia Warsaw and the Hoops will face either the Poles or Irish side St Patrick’s in the third qualifying round of the Champions League if they finish the job against KR Reykjavik on Tuesday night. Celtic are in firm control following their 1-0 victory in Iceland but the match between the Polish and Irish champs is evenly poised at 1-1.

Berg would love the chance to improve on his record against Celtic as Rangers lost all five Old Firm games the season he played under Alex McLeish in 2003-04. He said: “It’s an interesting draw but first we must focus on securing a good result at St Patrick’s. I hope Ronny and I can meet in this competition. He’s well respected for the club he built at Stromsgodset over many years. And yes, I know about my record against Celtic when I was at Rangers.” (Record)

Meanwhile, John Collins would be interested in a fixture against Irish champions St Patrick’s and a trip to Dublin. He said: “There would be a wonderful atmosphere over in Dublin and the Celtic fans would love that. St Patrick’s would hope to play the tie at Dublin’s Aviva stadium after their own stadium was deemed unsuitable for European fixtures. (Sun)

Kris Boyd isn’t ‘mucking about’ at Rangers

Kris Boyd admitted last night that he needs to prove himself all over again to earn a long-term deal at Rangers. The 30-year-old returned to Ibrox in the summer on a one-year contract. Boyd appears open to the idea of extending his stay but is adamant he must do the business to pave the way for an additional agreement beyond his 12 months.

The striker said: “For me it wasn’t about how long I signed for. It was just about getting myself back in the door at this club and scoring goals. Over the years I’ve said I have maybe slipped into a comfort zone when I have been on a longer contract. I’m not back at Rangers to muck about. I want to get myself back scoring goals at the rate I was in my first spell at this club and hopefully I can do it for years to come.” (Record)

Aberdeen, Motherwell and St Johnstone’s possible European opponents

Aberdeen arguably will have the toughest of the next round ties should they manage to overcome Groningen in Holland, with a glamour tie against Real Sociedad. The Spanish stars have just signed former Celtic target Alfred Finnbogasen and will be a tough match for the Pittodrie men.

Motherwell will face either Estonian newcomers Nomme Kalju, or Polish stalwarts Lech Poznan, should they go through. Nomme Kalju who have a number of Brazilians, also have Japanese star Hidetoshi Wakui. Poznan, who are more famous for their fans than their own team success after their celebration ‘The Poznan’ was adopted by Man City after a European meeting several years ago, will be no pushovers though.

St Johnstone could face either Georgian FC Zestafoni and Brazilian playmaker Rene Santos or Czech Spartak Trnava and ex-Barcelona player Jose Casado. (Mail)

News in brief:

• Hibs to face Dundee United in friendly after a u-turn by Watford saw them pull out of a mini tour of Scotland. (Record)

• Tommy Wright wants McDairmid Park to be ‘jumping’ for their return leg against Swiss cracks Luzern. (Various)

• Alan McGregor is relishing chance to play in Europe with Hull. (Sun)

• Former Rangers striker Alan Gow is now training with Inverness Caley Thistle after being released by Exeter. (Various)

• Jackie MacNamara is sweating over John Souttar, after the defender was carried off during their friendly in Holland with an ankle injury (Various)

• Alan Hutton is back in Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert’s plans after the manager praised his professionalism. (Mail)