Rumour Mill: Lennon blasts Deila | Wigan eye Paterson

Neil Lennon appeared to criticise fellow former Celtic boss Ronny Deila over his treatment of players. Pictures: Getty Images

Lennon slams Deila for stalling players’ careers

NEIL Lennon yesterday appeared to criticise Ronny Deila for having an adverse affect on the careers of some Celtic players.

Hibs head coach Lennon praised Brendan Rodgers for bringing out the best in Scott Brown and James Forrest among others, and added: “For a long time they were getting a lot of criticism from Celtic supporters which I don’t think was down to the players. Whose fault was it? I don’t think you need to be a rocket scientist to work it out.” (Daily Record)

Wigan keen on Paterson

WIGAN are preparing a second bid for Hearts defender Callum Paterson.

The Latics, managed by former Hibs and Celtic defender Gary Caldwell, are keen on taking the 21-year-old right back to England but saw an initial bid knocked back.

But Wigan are expected to return with a new bid despite Hearts remaining hopeful of hanging onto Paterson beyond the end of the transfer window. (Evening News)

Celtic fans’ Palestine flags ‘not criminal’

CELTIC fans won’t face action for waving Palestinian flags during the 5-2 win over Hapoel Beer-Sheva - because cops say the supporters did not break the law.

Police Scotland did warn fans prior to the match that action would be taken if they considered there to be criminality - but the club could still face a hefty fine from UEFA for breaching stringent rules regarding political demonstrations. (Scottish Sun)

Pawlett urged to seize Dons chance

ABERDEEN boss Derek McInnes has urged Peter Pawlett to seize his chance to re-establish himself in the Dons starting XI.

With Jonny Hayes facing a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Pawlett - who was the subject of interest from Hibs earlier this summer - has an opportunity to impress. (Press & Journal)

Saints fans blast ticketing freeze

ST JOHNSTONE fans face missing out on their club’s match against Celtic - because no more tickets will be sold.

The Celtic allocation has been sold out, but an agreement between club and cops means no other briefs can be sold for the ground.

It is believed the move was introduced in a bid to stop Celtic fans from obtaining seats in the home end but Saints fans have branded the decision ‘very poor’. (Daily Record)

Accies set to bring in duo

HAMILTON are set to complete deals for former Partick Thistle defender Dan Seaborne and ex-Falkirk hitman Rakish Bingham.

Seaborne reportedly signed for Mohun Bagan in India earlier this summer but appears keen on a return to Scotland, with Hamilton in line to offer him an escape route.

And former Bairns striker Bingham, who has had spells at Wigan and Hartlepool, is set to join the former Jags stopper at New Douglas Park. (Various)

ICT need for defender could scupper El Alagui move

INJURY to Kevin McNaughton has left Inverness Caledonian Thistle needing emergency defensive cover - and they could miss out on former Hibs striker Farid El Alagui.

McNaughton is expected to be out for the season and Richie Foran is searching for a new defender as a priority.

However, the need to replace McNaughton could see any deal for the French-Moroccan hitman scuppered. (Press & Journal)

Lennon keen on two more

HIBS head coach Neil Lennon has revealed he’s looking to make two further signings after midfielder Andrew Shinnie became this summer’s fourth new arrival at Easter Road.

Shinnie, who agreed a season-long loan deal from English Championship side Birmingham City, will go straight into Lennon’s squad for tomorrow’s match against St Mirren in Paisley, but Ofir Marciano will again be missing.

Lennon said: “I didn’t think there was a lot wrong with the squad anyway. We are just looking at maybe two more positions. As a manager, you are always looking for more. But there is a thing called a budget I have to work within.” (Evening News)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Mark McGhee analysed data from his players after their 2-1 loss to St Johnstone and found they had run 1.5km less than expected - so he made them do 10 x 200m runs in training to ‘show what was missing’ from their game

• St Johnstone ace Danny Swanson is training to become a tiler to help his chances of gaining entry to Australia in the future

• Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon has told fans he had to sell Harry Souttar to bring in cash to strengthen the first team squad

Rumour Mill: Lennon blasts Deila | Wigan eye Paterson | Palestine flags '˜not criminal'