Rumour Mill: Defender keen on Gers return | Murrayfield for Celtic-Inter clash?

Dominic Ball isn't sure where he'll be playing next season but he would be open to an Ibrox return. Picture: SNS Group

Ball ‘open to Gers return’

DOMINIC Ball will return to Tottenham at the end of the season but the versatile defender has said he would ‘definitely look at coming back to Rangers’ if he is sent out on loan next season.

The 20-year-old, who can operate in defence or defensive midfield, is keen to force his way into Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs side - but would consider a return North.

“It’s the manager’s decision based on what I do when I go back on pre-season,” Ball said. “I’d definitely look at coming back to Rangers.

“At the moment it’s hard for me to say as I don’t know what the options will be. But I’ve loved my time at Rangers.” (Various)

Murrayfield could host Celtic friendly

MURRAYFIELD could host Celtic’s friendly with Italian giants Inter Milan, it has been revealed.

The Hoops take on the Serie A side during the summer, with the Edinburgh stadium mooted as a possible venue.

Celtic have played European matches at Murrayfield, but the home of Scottish rugby could face competition from another rugby stadium - Munster’s Thomond Park - which is also in the running to host the glamour tie. (Scottish Sun)

Craig Thomson to referee Old Firm cup tie

CRAIG Thomson has been confirmed as the man in the middle for Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final with Rangers.

The 43-year-old whistler, who has taken charge of World Cup qualifiers and incurred the wrath of Jose Mourinho, refereed the last meeting between the two sides in the League Cup last year.

He will be assisted by Alan Mulvanny and Douglas Ross. John Beaton will take charge of the Hibernian v Dundee United semi-final the day before. (Various)

Gers will take ‘sensible approach’ to Premiership

RANGERS director Paul Murray has vowed that the club won’t be put at financial risk in order to compete in the Scottish Premiership.

Murray, who described Rangers’ promotion as the end of ‘four years of misery’, said: “[Promotion] returns us to where we think we should be, the top flight of Scottish football and in many ways it is phase one.

“Phase two is to get the club back to competitive level with a view to winning the Premiership title and we want to do that as soon as we can.

“It is not always about throwing money at the situation. First and foremost we don’t want to put the club into financial risk. It clearly needs investment as well but we just have to be smart and use our resources sensibly.” (Various)

Gers can beat anyone in Premiership, insists Tavernier

JAMES Tavernier says Rangers have already shown they are good enough for the Premiership – even before manager Mark Warburton adds the “four or five” players in the summer he wants for the assault on the top flight.

The 24-year-old right back has no fears about what awaits the club when they step up next season.

The ex-Wigan defender said: “With the team and squad that we’ve got – and I’m sure the manager will strengthen it next season – but the squad we have now is capable of beating anyone in the division above.” (The Scotsman)

Hearts duo face fitness race ahead of Dons battle

HEARTS pair Callum Paterson and Don Cowie face a race against time to feature against Aberdeen after seeing their recovery from injuries interrupted by the Jambos’ training ground lock-out.

Robbie Neilson stated on Monday that he was hopeful both players could play a part in the match. But the bout of gastroenteritis that swept through the Tynecastle dressing room hampered their recovery.

Paterson has been out since February 27 after sustaining ligament damage in his shoulder while Cowie hasn’t played since last month. (The Scotsman)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Martin Boyle has admitted he was ‘out of position’ when he hit his wonder strike to hand Hibs a vital win over Livingston

• Dundee are sweating over the fitness of strikers Rory Loy and Kane Hemmings ahead of the crucial top-six decider with Hamilton

• Celtic starlet Jack Aitchison scored a hat-trick as the Hoops U17 side defeated Hibs 5-0 at Lennoxtown, taking his total to 20 across all competitions

• Kilmarnock boss Lee Clark has urged his team to be more deadly in the final third. Killie have scored just once in Clark’s six games in charge

Rumour Mill: Defender keen on Gers return | Murrayfield for Celtic-Inter clash? | Thomson to ref Old Firm clash