Rumour Mill: Celtic eye Lars Veldwijk | Cummings signs new deal | Lennon backs Rodgers

Celtic linked with Dutch striker; Jason Cummings extends his stay at Easter Road and Neil Lennon defends Brendan Rodgers after Lincoln Red Imps defeat

Celtic have been linked with Dutch striker Lars Veldwijk. Picture: Getty Images

Hoops eye Veldwijk

CELTIC have been linked with a move for Nottingham Forest striker Lars Veldwijk.

The 6ft 5in Dutch forward, who is yet to score for Forest in 14 appearances, moved to the City Ground from Excelsior in 2014, where he had scored 30 goals in 38 appearances.

But he was farmed out on loan to PEC Zwolle last season, where he netted 14 in 35 games - and Brendan Rodgers could seek to bolster his attacking options by bringing in the 24-year-old. (Various)

Cummings signs new Hibs deal

HIBS have been dealt a boost ahead of their Europa League qualifier against Brondby after Jason Cummings agreed a new four-year deal at the club.

The 20-year-old striker stressed there was “never any doubt” Easter Road is where he wants to be at this stage in his career, adding: “I’m looking forward to continuing to progress under the new manager.”

Cummings has been Hibernian’s top scorer for the past two seasons and has scored 48 goals in 109 games for the Easter Road side, leading to a vast number of clubs including Derby and Brighton keeping tabs on him. (The Scotsman)

Lennon backs Rodgers after Gibraltar nightmare

NEIL Lennon has expressed surprise at Celtic’s defeat by Lincoln Red Imps on Tuesday night but doesn’t believe the result deserves to be treated as the club’s worst of all time.

Lennon said: “Celtic will come through the tie no problem because they will be a week fitter. Brendan’s right, there’s no need to push the panic button. Celtic will come through, no problem whatsoever.

“I think there’s been too much made of it. If they had gone out of the competition then I could understand the criticism. But there’s another tie to be played yet and Celtic will come through that and it will be forgotten about very quickly.” (The Scotsman)

King signs new Hearts deal despite loan

BILLY King has extended his Hearts contract despite being sent out on loan to Inverness Caledonian Thistle for the season.

The winger spent time on loan at Rangers last season, and signed a six-month contract extension before joining the Highland outfit earlier this month.

Robbie Neilson said: “We extended his contract by six months so that we can have another look at him. He is at an age where he needs first-team football and under-20 games are no good for him. Hopefully he goes out and gets plenty of game time and we’ll have another look.” (The Scotsman)

Wallace eyeing dual success

LEE Wallace is targeting Scottish Premiership glory this season - but the Rangers captain is also hoping he can take Tynecastle FC to the SPFL.

Wallace is first team coach with the East of Scotland League outfit, and spends much of his free time helping out alongside pal Steve Vinter.

The defender said he was eyeing a big year for Tynecastle, adding: “I see big things happening in the future for Tynecastle. The next step will hopefully be the Lowland League, where you don’t have to look any further than Edinburgh City and what they have achieved in getting into the SPFL via the pyramid system.” (The Scotsman)

Lincoln win ‘bigger than Celtic beating Barca’

LINCOLN Red Imps midfielder Liam Walker has claimed that the Gibraltar side’s win over Celtic is bigger than the Hoops’ victory over Barcelona.

Walker, who set up Lee Casciaro for the only goal of the game, said: “This is the biggest result in Gibraltar football history. It doesn’t get any bigger than beating Celtic in the Champions League. It’s dream come true stuff.

“Celtic play in the Champions League most seasons. They beat Barcelona not so long ago – but this is bigger than that for us.” (Daily Record)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Hearts have unveiled their striking new away kit - a pink and yellow effort in tribute to former club president Lord Rosebery

• Brondby boss Alexander Zorniger has marked out David Gray, Darren McGregor and Jason Cummings as Hibernian’s dangermen ahead of tonight’s Europa League clash

• Conor Sammon insists he isn’t worried by his recent spare goalscoring record - and is targeting a vital away goal in Malta against Birkirkara