Rumour Mill: Celtic display '˜unacceptable' | Worst Rangers start since 1989 | Weir '˜could face SFA sanctions'
Celtic skipper: Second-half display ‘unacceptable’
Celtic skipper Scott Brown says his side’s second-half display in the 7-0 hammering by Barcelona in the Nou Camp was “unacceptable”.
Brown said: “It’s the second half that we’re really disappointed with. To lose five goals in 45 minutes is unacceptable. Everyone is disappointed in that changing room.” (BBC)
Rangers’ worst start to league season for 27 years
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Hide AdRangers have made their worst start to a league season for 27 years under Mark Warburton, whose side has taken just eight points from their first five Premiership games, leaving them with a goal difference of -2.
Even French flop Paul Le Guen did better than that. His team managed to take nine points from the same number of fixtures in 2006 but he was binned midway through the season.
You need to go back to 1989/90 to find a worse situation. Graeme Souness’s side began by losing 1-0 at home to St Mirren and 2-0 away to Hibs, They were bottom of the table before drawing 1-1 against Celtic at Parkhead and a 1-0 home win over Aberdeen was followed by a 2-2 draw with Dundee at Ibrox. However, they still went on to win a second successive title. (Daily Record)
Weir ‘could face SFA sanctions’
David Weir could be charged by Compliance Officer Tony McGlennan following his outburst during Rangers’ 5-1 defeat to Celtic at Parkhead.
The former Ibrox defender was sent to the stands following a touchline outburst shortly after Philippe Senderos was sent off. (Various)
Ross County boss warns side to beware ‘wounded animal’
Jim McIntyre has warned his Ross County side to beware a Rangers backlash when they visit Ibrox for the first time in their 87-year history on Saturday.
McIntyre watched Rangers suffer bitter humiliation in a 5-1 defeat at Celtic Park and knew it would only make it tougher for Ross County at Ibrox. He said: “Rangers will certainly be busting a gut to show their fans a reaction. Whichever Old Firm team loses, whenever, it is a devastating result for them. But the manner of how they lost on Saturday means we should beware the wounded animal.” (Daily Record)
Messi greatest ‘in every position’ says Barcelona boss
Lionel Messi was hailed as the greatest player in the world “in every position” by his Barcelona manager Luis Enrique after the Argentine scored a hat-trick to create another record in the thumping win over Celtic. Messi, 29, became the first player in European Cup history to score six hat-tricks as he bagged his 40th career treble for club and country in Barca’s 7-0 win, their biggest European Cup win. It was also Celtic’s heaviest ever defeat in the competition. Enrique said: “Messi plays with complete freedom and he can change his position as he wants. He’s the best in the world in every position.” (The National)
Caley boss looks to bring in one more player
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Hide AdCaley Thistle manager Richie Foran is hoping to bring in one more player outwith the transfer window. Foran made seven summer additions after succeeding John Hughes as Inverness manager at the end of last season, including the deadline-day signings of St Johnstone defender Brad McKay and on-loan Fulham midfielder Larnell Cole.
Although Foran is content with the squad at his disposal, the Irishman hopes he will have the flexibility to add a further free agent should he feel it is necessary prior to the next transfer window in January. Foran said: “I’m delighted with the squad. There might be room for one more – maybe. (Press and Journal)
Wright hails Easton signing
St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright has praised the performances of left-back Brian Easton. The former Hamilton, Burnley and Dundee player has been a stalwart since he joined up at McDiarmid Park.
“He’s been a good signing, a consistently good performer and I’m pleased with him,” said Wright. (Dundee Telegraph)
Rangers ‘will still be hurting’
Billy Dodds say that he knows from experience that Rangers were still be hurting from their defeat to rivals Celtic at the weekend.
He said: “Heavy Old Firm losses are hard to shake off. I was in a Rangers team that was thumped 6 - 2 by Celtic and you don’t forget defeats like that.” (The Sun)
- Ross County manager Jim McIntyre is wary of a backlash from Rangers when he takes his side to Ibrox for the first time.
McGhee backs Burke to reach heights achieved by Dalglish
Mark McGhee says Oliver Burke can go on to achieve as much as Kenny Dalglish did in the game following his £15m move to Red Bull Leipzig.
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Hide AdHe said: “The supporters have been looking for this iconic player for some time - since Kenny Dalglish. (The Scotsman)
Levein to appeal Watt’s yellow card
Hearts director of football Craig Levein will appear at Hampden on Thursday to appeal against the yellow card shown to striker Tony Watt for diving in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Hamilton Academical. (Evening News)
Lennon backs Jason Cummings
Hibs manager Neil Lennon, who was with Crewe Alexandra in England’s fourth tier when he was the same age as Jason Cummings, says the 21-year-old striker has plenty of time to match his achievement of playing in the top flight down south. (Record)
IN BRIEF
• St Mirren chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick has called on supporters to get behind the club following a poor start to their season.
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