Rumour Mill: Hutchison regrets Rangers snub | Celtic want '˜Romanian Lampard' | Cathro defends spitting star
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Hutchison regrets Rangers snub
Former Scottish international Don Hutchison claims his biggest regret in football was not joining Rangers. The scorer of the winning goal the last time Scotland defeated England had the chance to join the Ibrox side in 2001. Presented with an option of signing for West Ham or Dick Advocaat’s side, Hutchison chose the former when leaving Sunderland. (Football Insider)
Celtic want ‘Romanian Lampard’
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Hide AdCeltic are said to be in discussions with Steaua Bucharest over the potential transfer of Ovidiu Popescu. The midfielder, who’s been likened to Frank Lampard, has enjoyed an excellent season with the Romanian side after joining from Poli Timișoara for a nominal fee. He has a release clause in his contract for around £8million but it remains to be seen whether Celtic want to stump up that much cash for the 23-year-old. (Daily Record)
Hearts back Nicholson
Hearts are set to appeal the red card shown to Sam Nicholson last night for apparently spitting at assistant referee Stephen Mitchell in the 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone in Perth. With Hearts chasing the match after Joe Shaughnessy had given the home side a 1-0 advantage, the assistant ref accused the winger of spitting at him. But while that was enough for referee Nick Walsh to send him off, the player insisted that the spit was not directed at the official. (The Scotsman)
No regrets for Rodgers
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers had no regrets about sending out a weakened side against Partick Thistle despite his champions having to settle for a rare draw – the 1-1 scoreline described by him as “fair”. Scott Brown, Kieran Tierney, Stuart Armstrong, James Forrest and Dedryck Boyata were all left out from the side that sealed the title with Sunday’s 5-0 win at Hearts and Rodgers admitted he rejigged the team with the Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers on 23 April in mind. (The Scotsman)
Sutton: big point for Rangers
Chris Sutton has aimed a none-too-subtle dig at Rangers following last night’s draw with Kilmarnock, suggesting it’s now a case of the Ibrox looking over their shoulder at St Johnstone in the battle for third place. Pedro Caixinha’s side had been hoping to catch Aberdeen but now sit 12 points behind Derek McInnes’ men with only seven games to play. (Twitter)
Dundee United recruitment chief criticised
Dundee United’s head of football operations Darren Taylor has been criticised by the agent of Ivanildo Cassama over the failed transfer of the player to Tannadice. The former Porto winger impressed in a trial period and was offered a deal on the provision of losing weight. When the Guinea-Bissau attacker fulfilled United’s demands, Taylor tried to change the terms of the contract at the last minute, according to the agent who has since accused Taylor and United of lacking professionalism. (Daily Record)
McCulloch changed tactics after early team
Kilmarnock interim manager Lee McCulloch admitted he changed his tactics accordingly after hearing opposite number Pedro Caixinha named his team more than 24 hours before kick-off. McCulloch’s side fought out a 0-0 draw with Rangers at Rugby Park last night and the point was a better outcome for the hosts than the injury-hit visitors. (The Scotsman)
Caixinha challenges Rangers to beat Aberdeen
Pedro Caixinha admits Rangers do not deserve to finish as runners-up to Celtic if they cannot find a way to topple Aberdeen on Sunday. The Ibrox boss watched his new team slip 12 points behind the Dons after a frustrating 0-0 draw away to Kilmarnock. With just seven games remaining, time is running out for Gers to snatch second but they do still have to play Derek McInnes’ men twice - starting with this weekend’s Pittodrie encounter. (The Scotsman)