Rumour Mill: Kris Boyd | John Hartson for County?

Scotland's Ikechi Anya celebrates scoring against Germany, the winger has emerged as a target for Celtic. Picture: PA

Kris Boyd says he’d play for Rangers for free

Rangers striker Kris Boyd says he’d play for Rangers for freeif the financial crisis at Ibrox escalates. The Glasgow giants will learn today whether they will be allowed to appeal last Friday’s decision at the Court of Session that saw former director Imran Ahmad succeed in freezing £620,000 of the club’s cash. Ruling in Ahmad’s favour, Lord Stewart declared there to be a ‘risk of Rangers becoming insolvent’ for the second time in just two years. Boyd though, insists that money was not his motivation for joining Rangers, he said: “I’d have walked through those doors for nothing because I was so desperate to play for this club. I wanted the jersey back on. I don’t want to sound smart or ignorant but whatever I earn between now and the end of my career won’t change the way I live.” (Various)

Meanwhile almost 500 fans have signed up to a scheme to buy a controlling stake in Rangers since the club launched a £4 million share issue last month. Rangers First say they have seen an upsurge in fans backing efforts to put the club in the hands of the Ibrox faithful. Backed by Supporters Direct Scotland, Rangers First have set up a similar scheme to the one used to rescue Hearts from their administration battle. They now say the numbers volunteering monthly sums has risen to more than 1,400. The current scheme now pulls in almost £32,500 a month. (Express)

John Hartson emerges as contender for the Ross County job

John Hartson has emerged as a major contender to become the new Ross County manager. The Daily Express are reporting that the Ex-Wales assistant coach was interviewed for the vacant post yesterday. The former Celtic and Arsenal star travelled to Dingwall where he held talks with County chairman Roy MacGregor and was shown around the stadium. (Express)

Gordon Strachan believes Ikechi Anya should be playing at the top

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan believes Ikechi Anyashould be playing at the top and has the talent to star for Celtic or light up the English Premier League. Strachan is baffled as to why star man Anya is still playing in England’s second tier when his international performances have been first-class. He said: “He could go to Celtic or to a club in the English Premier League no bother. He can play different positions too which makes him valuable. He can play on the left as he did against Germany, he can play on the right side or he can even play left back. He has a love for the game which is so refreshing. He’s worked so hard to get to where he is now and he doesn’t want to lose it.” (Express)

Meanwhile Celtic ARE said to be interested in the winger. It is being reported by the Express that Celtic had already pondered a £1.5 million move for the Watford player last month. The club though eventually settled on loan deals for Aleksander Tonev and Wakaso Mubarak. (Mail)

Steven Naismith believes Scotland can win all nine remaining games

Steven Naismith has set his sights on winning all nine of Scotland’s remaining European Championship group games after coming so close to shocking the world champions in Dortmund. Naismith is convinced Scotland now have the quality in their ranks and a manager with a plan who can see us finally end a major finals drought that stretches back to 1998. Naismith said: “We believe if we play like that we have a chance of taking maximum points. We’ve believed that for the past six months to a year.

“When the draw came out we fancied ourselves and we’ll continue to do that. Germany away is the toughest game anyone is going to have in the group. In every other game we definitely feel we can take three points. That’s our aim so we’ll look back on this, take the positives and take them into the games coming up next month.” (Various)

News in brief:

• Hibs boss Alan Stubbs is set to hold talks with freed Celtic defender Lewis Toshney in the next 24 hours. (Mail)

• Dundee manager Paul Hartley is delighted after managing to sign former Scotland striker David Clarkson. (Mail)

• Jim McIntyre has emerged as front runner for the Ross County job. (Sun)

• Sepp Blatter says the English FA are bad losers in an astonishing attack as he confirmed he will stand for a fifth term as Fifa president. (Sun)

• Marco Reus is out for a month after sustaining an injury against Scotland. (Sun)