Rumour Mill: Celtic in for Paddy McNair | Rangers close in on signing No.10

Nir Bitton picked up an ankle injury against Barcelona. Picture: David Lamb

Celtic interested in loan for McNair

Brendan Rodgers could be set to swoop for his fellow countryman Paddy McNair after it was revealed Celtic are keen to take the Manchester United centre back on loan.

The Hoops boss said after the loss to Barcelona that he still requires four new players before he’ll be content with his side and Northern Irish defender McNair seems to be first on the list. (Daily Record)

Bitton doubtful for Astana clash

Nir Bitton is doubtful for Wednesday’s return leg with Astana in the Champions League qualifying third round after the midfielder suffered an ankle injury against Barcelona.

Brendan Rodgers called the injury a “nasty one” and said Celtic will assess the player over the next 24 hours. (Daily Record)

Mark Warburton hopeful of tenth signing

Rangers boss Mark Warburton has revealed that the process is underway to secure his tenth signing of the summer.

Though he would not reveal the identity of the mystery player, he did say he was hopeful the deal would be concluded prior to Rangers’ first game of the new campaign at home to Hamilton. (The Herald)

Leigh Griffiths sticks up for Efe Ambrose

Leigh Griffiths has defended team-mate Efe Ambrose after the centre back was booed by Celtic fans following an own goal scored against Barcelona.

The much-maligned Nigerian has been a source of frustration for the Celtic Park support with a mistake-riddled beginning to the new campaign.

However, Griffiths insists he’s a “great player” though does concede Celtic need to tighten up at the back. (The Sun)

Celtic’s Euro journey ‘will help Rangers’

Niko Kranjcar believes Celtic getting into the Champions League will boost Rangers’ chances of winning the title.

The summer addition is looking forward to helping his new club make a push at ending Celtic’s five-year domination at the top of Scottish football. (The Sun)

Neil Lennon ready for mind games

Neil Lennon says he won’t shy away from the mind games indulged in by Hibernian and Falkirk throughout last season’s tit-for-tat Championship campaign.

But the new man at the Hibs helm is aware that he will have to be pretty shrewd if he is to get the better of a streetwise Peter Houston, who will play host to the Edinburgh team on Saturday as the curtain lifts on the new league season. (Scotland on Sunday)

Lewis Toshey delays surgery on broken nose

Lewis Toshney has revealed how he put off surgery on his broken nose until after he’s hung up his boots – because he doesn’t want to miss a minute more of Dundee United’s revival.

Toshney took the hit for the Tangerines earlier this month behind closed doors in a pre-season friendly with Highland League outfit Cove Rangers. Having been told he’ll be out for six weeks, he’s decided instead to have the surgery after he’s retired from playing. (Scotland on Sunday)

Andrew Considine eyes return to Europa League groups

Andrew Considine has waited eight long years for the opportunity of another crack at some of European football’s more glamorous clubs and is not about to let NK Maribor get in the way of that ambition now.

The versatile defender is the sole survivor from the Aberdeen squad Jimmy Calderwood assembled and steered to the last 32 of what was still known as the UEFA Cup back in 2008. (Scotland on Sunday)

John Kennedy wants Celtic to avoid Maribor repeat

Celtic first team coach John Kennedy believes that remembering the past can ensure Celtic can set themselves up for the Champions League play-offs and derive full value from the excellent 1-1 scoreline against away to Kazakhstani side FC Astana come Wednesday’s third qualifying leg return.

The last time that Celtic secured a 1-1 draw away in a Champions League qualifier came against Maribor two years ago. (Scotland on Sunday)

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Rumour Mill: Celtic in for Paddy McNair | Rangers close in on signing No.10 | Bitton doubtful for Astana