Rumour Mill: Fletcher plays down Celtic link | Betis eye Izaguirre

Steven Fletcher has long been linked with Celtic, but appeared to play down the rumours. Picture: AFP/Getty Images

Fletcher plays down Celtic rumours

SCOTLAND striker Steven Fletcher has poured cold water on rumours that he could be set to join Celtic.

The Sunderland forward, currently on loan at Marseille, has long been linked with the Hoops, but said: “I don’t know what to say about that. I think I’ve been linked with Celtic since I was 18 but I’m looking forward to the situation I’m in – although at times it can be scary as well.” (The Herald)

Real Betis keen on Izaguirre

REAL Betis are the latest side to be linked with Celtic defender Emilio Izaguirre. The Honduran is likely to leave Celtic in the summer and has been linked with a number of Spanish sides including Getafe and Sevilla,

Betis are also monitoring Everton full-back Bryan Oviedo, but Izaguirre could prove to be a cheaper option for the Verdiblancos.

As recently as last month, Ronny Deila insisted that Izaguirre still had a future at Celtic. (DonBalon)

Moyes keen on Aston Villa job amid Celtic interest

EX-Manchester United and Everton boss David Moyes, out of work since being sacked by Real Sociedad in November, has told friends that he would be interested in managing Aston Villa.

Moyes, 52, has been closely linked with the Celtic job over the past few weeks, with manager Ronny Delia’s position under intense scrutiny. (Daily Express)

Scotland turn to McCormack and Watt

GORDON Strachan will use tonight’s match in Prague to see if Tony Watt and Ross McCormack can redeem Scotland’s reputation in a city where they once left a stain across the beautiful game.

In contrast to Scotland’s last visit to the Czech capital, Strachan is willing his team to show signs of attacking flair and off the cuff inspiration. (The Scotsman)

Rogic eyes new deal at Celtic

TOM Rogic hopes to follow his wonder goal at Rugby Park by finalising a new contract with Celtic.

Rogic has returned to his homeland to prepare for a World Cup qualifying double header against Tajikistan and Jordan, but has reiterated his desire to see a positive end to contract talks at Parkhead. (Daily Mail)

Well Society’s pledge over club’s financial future

THE Well Society has promised the financial security of Motherwell will not be compromised in order to achieve fan-ownership at Fir Park.

The fans’ group is in talks with Les Hutchison over a deal to transfer his majority stake in the club in the coming weeks.

The Well Society board has told members it needs to ensure both that the “future is protected if we become the main shareholder”. (Daily Mail)

Celtic scouts to watch Dutch under-19s

SCOUTS from Celtic, Liverpool and Man Utd are expected to attend the Netherlands’ Under-19’s fixture against Ukraine.

A host of scouts will be in Groesbeek on Thursday evening to watch some of the top young talents from both nations on show.

The Netherlands will have Manchester United youngster Timothy Fosu-Mensah in their ranks, as well as highly-regarded young players like Feyenoord duo Calvin Verdonk and Jari Schuurman, Ajax youngsters Abdelhak Nouri and Donny van de Beek, and PSV starlets Kenneth Paal and Steven Bergwijn. (HITC)

Gallagher eyes new St Mirren deal

CALUM Gallgher has expressed his desire to stay at St Mirren after relishing a run of first-team football.

The former Rangers kid has made 35 appearances in the Buddies midfield since joining in the summer in what has been an impressive season for the 21-year-old. (Evening Times)

Hibs ‘can still pip Falkirk to second’, claims Johnstone

DEREK Johnstone remains convinced that Hibs can still finish second in the Championship, despite a recent fun of four league matches without a win.

Hibs have lost three and drawn one, but Johnstone insisted: “I have said throughout the season that Hibernian will finish second in the Championship and I still think that will be the case.

“I don’t think Hibs have played all that badly but they are not defending properly when it matters and they are not scoring goals when they have to.” (Various)

Australia coach ‘thrilled’ with Rogic’s Celtic form

AUSTRALIA head coach Ange Postecoglou insists Tom Rogic can become a mainstay in his side after watching the midfielder flourish at Celtic.

Postecoglou has been delighted with the 23-year-old’s form for the Hoops following a nightmare run with injury. (Various)

Yogi hunt targets after ICT duo sign for Dundee

JOHN Hughes was gutted to lose two star men to Dundee – but has told Caley Thistle fans to expect him to raise the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership club to a new level next season.

Last season’s Scottish Cup match-winner James Vincent and Danny Williams this week signed three-year pre-contracts with Dundee, with money and the lengths of their deals blowing the Highlanders out of the water.

Manager Hughes is disappointed to lose the duo, who joined in 2013. They will reunite with former ICT ace Nick Ross. (Various)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• 16-year-old Celtic youngster Jack Aitchison has impressed while training with the Hoops first team

• Brentford’s Irish midfielder Alan Judge has said that his joke about playing for Mark Warburton but ‘not at Rangers’ was due to his Celtic-supporting pals

Rumour Mill: Fletcher plays down Celtic link | Betis eye Izaguirre | Moyes keen on Villa job