Rumour Mill: Celtic v Zagreb | Boyd & Mohsni ban

Deila talks ahead of Europa League clash against Dinamo Zagreb. Picture: SNS

Ronny Deila has demanded that his players become “24 hour athletes” and that if they have a problem with such commitment they should “start working outside of football”. The Celtic boss was reacting to a question regarding his thoughts on Neil Lennon’s feelings of disrespect that Deila criticised the physical condition of players he inherited from his predecessor. Deila also said he will walk away from the club and return to Norway if his methods are not accepted. (The Scotsman)

• Jim Craig, a member of the Lisbon Lions, had pointed to the Europa League as the setting for Deila to win over the Celtic Park support. Celtic open their Europa League home campaign against Dinamo Zagreb tonight and Craig feels it is vital the new boss earns a positive result to stem any flow of discontent from the stands. (The Herald)

• Celtic captain Scott Brown believes it’s up to the club to lift the reputation of Scottish football in general by showing the rest of Europe that teams can still compete with those on the continent. Brown also pointed to the 2011 UEFA Cup, which Celtic’s experience of playing in acted as a springboard for the memorable Champions League campaign the following year. (The Scotsman)

• Zagreb manager Zoran Mamic has committed the ultimate Scottish football faux-pas by mistaking one half of the Old Firm for the other. Speaking at the press conference prior to tonight’s match, Mamic commented on how impressive Celtic Park was when he travelled there 16 years ago during his playing days. However, a little research discovered that Mamic’s only trip to Glasgow was a UEFA Cup tie between Bayern Leverkusen and Rangers at Ibrox. (Daily Mail)

Boyd and Mohsni punished

Rangers pair Bilel Mohsni and Kris Boyd have both been offered two match bans for separate incidences of violent conduct in Rangers’ 3-1 defeat to Hibs on Monday evening. The pair have until today to accept the offer or challenge it next week at a disciplinary meeting where a harsher punishment could be handed down. (The Scotsman)

• A mystery investor has bought more than four million shares in Rangers (5.23 per cent of the club) through French bank BNP Paribas. Investment group Hargreave Hale have confirmed that they sold the stake, but it is not yet known who gained control of them or for what purpose. Former Ibrox director Dave King has denied his involvement. (The Scotsman)

• Rangers fans were again critical of the “incompetence” of those running the Ibrox club behind the scenes. The latest fiasco concerned the certificates from the recent share issue, which were sent out with the names of former chief executive Charles Green and financial director Brian Stockbridge printed on them. (The Herald)

• Lee McCulloch reckons the pressure on the Rangers first team is almost at the same level as it was when the club were challenging at the top of the Scottish Premiership. (Daily Mail)

McFadden ready to show his worth

James McFadden is out to prove the doubters wrong after signing with St Johnstone until the end of the season. The 31-year old was released from Motherwell at the end of last season and had struggled to find a new club during the summer. The former Scottish international believes he still has what it takes to excel in the top flight of Scotland and aims to ‘prove the doubters wrong’. (The Scotsman)

Stevenson defends Cummings | Neilson praises Gomis

Lewis Stevenson has defended the post-match one-liners from striker Jason Cummings, insisting that the Hibs players see the funny side of it. Stevenson was reacting to disparaging comments made by former striker Leigh Griffiths about Cummings on Twitter. (The Sun)

• Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has admitted his surprise at the brilliant form of Morgaro Gomis since the midfielder arrived in the summer, saying: “I knew I was going to get a good player when he arrived but didn’t realise how good.” The head coach then went on to praise Gomis’s performance in the recent 5-0 win over Livingston. (The Sun)

Motherwell downturn unsurprising

Former Motherwell chief executive and BBC analyst Pat Nevin believes that manager Stuart McCall should be above criticism at the Fir Park club. The Steelmen have struggled so far this season, but Nevin feels it was an inevitability given the revolving door of players every summer (The Herald)

Inverness and Ross County gear up for Highland derby

Marley Watkins has admitted that the Inverness playmakers need to supply striker Billy Mckay with better service if he’s going to get out of his goal funk. The Northern Irishman hasn’t netted since the opening day of the season, but Watkins feels the clib’s No.9 has “nothing to prove”. (Highland News)

• Ross County manager Jim McIntyre is ready for the “blood and thunder” of his first ever Highland derby. Spirits have been lifted in the County dressing room following their maiden league victory against Dundee on Saturday, and they’ll be looking to repeat the shock of last season when the Staggies managed to upset their neighbours with a 2-1 win on New Year’s Day. (Highland News)

News in brief

• Dunfermline have signed 20-year old French winger Sorel Chemin from Paris St Germain on a short-term contract. (Dunfermline Press)

• Peterhead striker Andy Rodgers has been hit with a notice of complaint after several disparaging tweets about Dunfermline Athletic, their players, the town and people of Fife in general. (Dunfermline Press)

• Former Celtic, Kilmarnock and St Johnstone striker Cillian Sheridan has blamed himself for Apoel Nicosia’s failure to pull off a Champions League upset against Ajax. The Cypriot club drew 1-1 with the former European champions, though Sheridan had a gilt-edged chance to win the match. (The Sun)

• Derek Adams insists he is ready to get back into management immediately after his departure from Ross County, but only if the “right opportunity” comes along. (Press and Journal)

• Former Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels may become the new boss at Ayrshire rivals Ayr United if Hugh Clarke’s attempted takeover of the club goes through. (Daily Mail)