Rumour Mill: Fraser Forster | Celtic | Hibs | May

Ronny Deila bemoans Celtic’s congested pre-season friendly schedule as Forster weighs up Southampton move; reaction to Rangers v Hibs and Stevie May set to sign for Sheffield Wednesday
Fraser Forster could be a Southampton player soon. Picture: GettyFraser Forster could be a Southampton player soon. Picture: Getty
Fraser Forster could be a Southampton player soon. Picture: Getty

Fraser Froster mulling over Saints switch

COULD Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster quit the Hoops for Southampton?

Reports in today’s paper suggest the towering ‘keeper could swap the Scottish Premiership for the English Premier League if Celtic exit the Champions League.

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A bid of around £8 million could see the England international depart Glasgow before the end of the transfer window.

Swansea are also readying a bid for Virgil van Dijk if they can get rid of Chico Flores, says the Express.

Pre-season schedule hampering us, says Deila

RONNY Deila has claimed Celtic’s busy pre-season has jeopardised their Champions League hopes, adding that he won’t put up with it next season.

The Norwegian gaffer admitted he was shocked by the scale of the Hoops’ preparations for the upcoming season, during which they played seven friendly matches in Austria, Germany and Finland.

“When you think about the travelling we’ve been doing it is connected to the energy.

“The teams from England who are away are not playing Champions League qualifiers.

“I want to train without travelling too much to play matches. It’s important. For four weeks you need to prepare very well.” (The Sun)

Celtic were easy compared to St Pat’s, claims Warsaw star

ONDREJ Duda has claimed St Patrick’s Athletic were a much tougher opponent than Celtic.

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The Hoops have a mountain to climb in the second leg, needing to score three without reply to advance on away goals.

But Duda said: ‘St Pat’s gave us a tough game in Warsaw.

“They were a lot better than Celtic.” (The Sun)

Red card harsh, says Hibs boss

ALAN Stubbs felt Danny Handling’s red card was harsh, as Hibs were edged out of the Petrofac Training Cup by Rangers in front of 18,000 fans at Ibrox.

Handling, who had cancelled out Lewis MacLeod’s opener, was shown a straight red by ref John Beaton for a meaty challenge on David Templeton.

But the general feeling was that a yellow card would have sufficed.

Stubbs said: “The sending-off changed the game. We were in the ascendancy at the time and I felt we were going to go on and win the game.

“I thought it was harsh.”

Nicky Law’s extra time strike sent the Gers through, but Ally McCoist was given a severe warning that the Championship will be no walk in the park this year. (Daily Mail)

Owls set to swoop for Stevie May

STEVIE May could be a Sheffield Wednesday player by the end of this week after the Owls entered the race for the striker.

The 21-year-old could fly the St Johnstone nest after the second leg of the Spartak Trnava Europa League qualifier, with Owls boss Stuart Gray willing to match the £800k price tag.

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Wednesday’s interest could also put an end to Rotherham’s nine-month pursuit of the Scotland Under-21 star. (The Sun)

Fenlon back in management with Shamrock

EX-Hibs boss Pat Fenlon has been handed a return to management with Shamrock Rovers.

The Irishman had been loosely linked with Linfield and Drogheda earlier this year but will take the reins at Tallaght, where his chief scout at Hibs, Dave Henderson, is expected to join him.

Fenlon is set to be confirmed tomorrow on a two-and-a-half year contract. (Evening News)

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