Rumour Mill: Commons apology | Griffiths blasts fans | Rangers to keep Zelalem

CELTIC’S Kris Commons has apologised for his Molde meltdown; Leigh Griffiths blasts ‘over the top’ Celtic fans while Mikael Lustig agrees with them; Rangers keen to keep loanee Gedion Zelalem at Ibrox until the end of the season, plus more news and gossip in Saturday’s Rumour Mill

Celtic's manager Ronny Deila talks to Kris Commons during the side's Europa League Group A soccer match against Molde. Picture: AP

Kris Commons issues apology after meltdown in Molde

Celtic star Kris Commons issued an apology on Friday for his meltdown during the match against Molde in Norway.

Commons was seething after being taking off in the second half, despite scoring Celtic’s only goal of the match.

He was caught on camera having an angry spat with coaching staff during Celtic’s shock 3 - 1 defeat in their latest Europa League match.

Celtic boss Ronny Deila insisted a line had been drawn under the incident while Commons admitted he was wrong to lash out and apologised. (The Sun)

Leigh Griffiths slams ‘over the top’ fans

Protests by Celtic fans outside the Aker Stadium in Molde were ‘over the top’, says Celtic striker Leith Griffiths.

His comments came on the same day Kris Commons apologised for his angry outburst at being subsituted during Celtic’s 3 - 1 defeat.

Griffiths called angry chanting by travelling fans beside the team’s bus ‘a bit over the top’, saying: “Just the way they were shouting at the boys. The boys were already hurting about getting beaten, we don’t need fans shouting and bawling at us from two or three yards away.” (The Scotsman)

- Mikael Lustig insisted Celtic fans had every right to turn on the team in Molde after branding Celtic’s performance as “s***”.

“Did the fans deserve to criticise us? Absolutely, we weren’t good enough as a team,” he said.

The Swedish full-back raged about the outcome of the match but insisted that there will be no further issues at the club. (The Sun)

Rangers want to keep loanee Gedion Zelalem

Mark Warburton is reportedly keen to strike a deal with on loan Gedion Zelalem to keep him at Rangers untl the end of the season.

The Arsenal youngster arrived at Ibrox on loan during the summer and is due to return down south during the January transfer window.

He said: ““I hope he is very much enjoying it, the relationships between the clubs are good and I hope very much that we can keep him.”

Warburton is looking to bolster his side this season, with former Barcelona and Manchester City midfielder Gai Assulin still in training at Ibrox. (Evening Times)

Football should embrace TMOs, says Warburton

Rangers boss Mark Warburton believes football may soon be taking up rugby-style TMOs to help referees make the right decisions.

Warburton is reported as saying that improving communication will improve the standard of refereeing in Scotland.

He said: “How hard is it for these guys when they have half a second to make a decision? It’s so, so difficult for them.’ adding, ‘So he or she has got to be given even bit of assistance, it’s as simple as that.’ (Various)

McIntyre gearing up County for to upset Hearts

Ross County manager Jim McIntyre has challenged his side to use the atmosphere at Tynecastle to their advantage when they face Hearts.

With Hearts ahead in third place with a two-point lead over County, McIntyre is hoping to leapfrog the Edinburgh side by encouraging the Staggies to rise to the occasion in front of Hearts’ home fans. (Press and Journal)

Neilson: McGhee needs to grow a few inches

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson has insisted that Scotland under-21 star Jordan McGhee will need to grow a few inches before he can make it big down south.

The Tynecastle regime knocked back a bid for McGhee from Ipswich in the summer. Neilson has reportedly admitted that being successful in England as a central defender will depend on the 19-year-old’s height. (Daily Record)

Stevie Smith finally happy at 30 at Kilmarnock

Former Rangers, Norwich, Aberdeen and Preston full-back Stevie Smith has said that he has finally found his football home since his move to Kilmarnock.

The 30-year-old - whose career spans five clubs over the past 11 years - has appeared in 10 games this season for his new side and is looking forward to the challenge of being a holding midfielder in Gary Locke’s squad. (Daily Record)

NEWS IN BRIEF:

• Motherwell manager Mark McGhee insists he won’t be phased by jeers from Aberdeen fans. (Various)

• St Mirren boss Ian Murray believes the whole country want his side to defeat unbeaten Championship leaders Rangers. The Scotsman