Rumour Mill: Celtic eye Hendrie | Rangers keen on Ball deal

Stephen Hendrie is thought to be a target for Celtic. Picture: Getty Images

Celtic linked with ex-Hamilton defender

CELTIC have been linked with a move for West Ham stopper Stephen Hendrie as they seek to bolster their backline.

With Emilio Izaguirre expected to quit Celtic in the summer, the Hoops could turn to long-time target Hendrie as a replacement.

Hendrie is thought to be keen on a return to Scotland and Celtic could make a move in the summer. (Daily Record)

Rogic rubbishes exit claims

TOM Rogic has dismissed claims he could reject a new deal and leave Celtic in the summer, saying: “I am really enjoying my time at Celtic and I am proud to be part of such a great football club.

“I want to extend my contract with Celtic. I am speaking to the Club just now and hopefully this will be agreed very soon.”

The Australian midfielder was a target for Leeds during the January transfer window but looks set to remain at Celtic. (Various)

UEFA stick with Collum for Euro 2016

UEFA are standing by Willie Collum, with the under-fire whistler confirmed to be taking charge of matches during the Euro 2016 tournament in France.

Collum, who will referee Dumbarton’s match with Alloa this evening, was demoted to Scottish football’s second tier after some high-profile blunders.

But the school teacher will ref in France, and is joined by Bobby Madden and John Beaton. (Scottish Sun)

Deila stands by Boyata criticism despite appeal

RONNY Deila believes he called it wrong when he assessed Dedryck Boyata’s dismissal at Hamilton and now wants the SFA to rule that referee Craig Thomson did the same.

Celtic have lodged an appeal against Boyata’s red card, despite Deila’s initial belief his defender was guilty of a foul on Carlton Morris which was deemed by Thomson to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Deila added: “I have changed my mind because I have seen it 100 times now, over and over again. We are going to appeal the decision because he gets a touch on the ball and it’s not a red card.” (The Scotsman)

Rangers keen on holding onto Ball

RANGERS could make a move to bring Dominic Ball back to Ibrox this summer on a permanent basis.

Mark Warburton said he had been ‘delighted’ by Ball’s performances in midfield, and added: “I would have no hesitation [in bringing him back], but right now he is a Spurs player.

“He will go back and we’ll chat to Spurs about where we are for next season.” (Evening Times)

Fox faces final fitness race

SCOTT Fox hasn’t given up hope of making the Scottish League Cup final against Hibs despite sustaining an injury in the 3-0 defeat at home to Dundee United.

Ross County goalie Fox said: “My knee doesn’t feel as sore as it did on Saturday. so I am hoping it isn’t as bad as first feared. I am hoping it might only be a minor tear and if that’s the case I could be back in a week or two.

“But in the worst case scenario it could be four to six weeks.” (Daily Express)

Deila eager to see Rangers in Scottish Premiership

RONNY Deila has welcomed the increasingly likely presence of Rangers in the Premiership next season and believes it will be beneficial for Celtic and the rest of the top-flight clubs in Scotland.

The prospect of regular fixtures against the Ibrox side is relished by Deila, who feels Rangers will bring greater interest and attention to the Premiership.

“It is a big club and if or when they go up, they deserve to be there,” said Deila.

“It’s going to be an even more interesting league. Of course it will bring more spotlight on Scottish football. It will be good for the whole league.” (The Scotsman)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Robbie Neilson believes ‘several’ Hearts players are in contention for a Scotland call-up. National team boss Gordon Strachan has reportedly been keeping tabs on John Souttar, Jamie Walker and Sam Nicholson among others

• Andy Halliday has called on the SFA to review its disciplinary procedures - especially the rule preventing players from appealing sendings-off as a result of two cautions

• Hibs defender Darren McGregor has admitted that Hibernian’s upcoming League Cup final against Ross County, and Scottish Cup tie against Inverness have ‘blown the title bid off course’

Rumour Mill: Celtic eye Hendrie | Rangers keen on Ball deal | UEFA stand by Collum