Rumour mill: McCoist | Celts eye Barrow

Ally McCoist savages his Rangers stars over US defeat

Ally McCoist has savaged his Rangers players after their US and Canada pre-season tour got off to a nightmare start. His team lost 3-1 to Ventura County Fusion, a team that plays in the fourth tier of US football in a dismal display. The Ibrox boss intends to make sure his players suffer through videos of the match before their next game against Sacramento on Saturday. McCoist said: “You can go on about the surface, the travel, but it wasn’t good enough we are far better. As painful as it will be they will be watching that game before Sacramento. They have to learn from it particularly defensively, because that can’t happen again.” He warned his stars that next season will be no walk over and to start taking these friendly games seriously before it’s too late. He said: “The game against Buckie was fine, the second half against Brora was fine but this is a step backwards.” (Various)

Celtic are eyeing up a bid for £1.5 million-rated Gambian strike prospect Modou Barrow

Celtic are lining up a move for £1.5 million-rated Gambian strike prospect Modou Barrow. The 21-year-old striker with Osterunds FK in Sweden, Barrow was the subject of a rejected £600,000 bid from Bolton after spending last week on trial with the English championship side where he impressed. Last night president Daniel Kindberg claimed the Scottish champions are also interested in the pacy forward, following a glowing recommendation from former Hamilton boss Billy Reid now the Swedish club’s assistant manager. Kindberg said: “We have had a very encouraging report from (Bolton boss) Dougie Freedman about the player. We also have interest from Celtic, Middlesborough and Swansea. Celtic youth coach David Moss has been here with his team and Celtic have an exceptional scouting network. They know the Scandinavian market well. We are taking their interest very seriously.” (Mail)

Strachan insists his Scotland team are worth paying extra for

Gordon Strachan insists Scotland fans can expect full value from his team against England despite the high ticket prices. Supporters have hit out at the SFA over the increased pricing with the cheapest season ticket to watch all five qualifiers and the England game being £190 and that’s on top of the £55 joining fee to join the Scotland supporters club. Strachan said: “I still expect a full house (against England). You’ve got to give the fans something to get excited about. You can’t just keep asking people to turn up and sing and dance - you’ve got to give them something and, at this moment in time, I believe we’re giving them something. It was good at Wembley, we’ve got to better it. We’ll make it a better occasion. The same quality of game would be great but a win would be better.” (Express)

Sandy Jardine is to be honoured by Rangers

Sandy Jardine’s widow has spoken of her delight at Rangers’ decision to rename the Govan Stand in honour of her husband. Ibrox legend Jardine died after a long fight with cancer in April. And his family will be in attendance at a ceremony to “open” the Sandy Jardine Stand before the first league game of the season against Hearts on August 10.

Jardine, who spent 50 years at Ibrox, also had a successful spell at Tynecastle and the Rangers board decided the match against Hearts was the most appropriate fixture.

Sandy’s widow, Shona, said: “My husband considered it a great honour and privilege to represent Rangers and I know he was extremely proud to receive this lasting tribute from the club he loved.” (Record)

News in brief:

• Willo Flood believes David Goodwillie will shine against Gronigen and then help Aberdeen to do even better than the heights of last season in the league this term. (Various)

• Former Dundee United chief executive Scott Gardiner has joined the management team at Hearts. (Express)

• Hibs have taken former Brentford man Antoine Gounet on trial as Alan Stubbs continues his search for a first-choice goalkeeper. (Express)

• Kilmarnock have signed Josh Magennis and former England under-20 international Tope Obadeyi on three year contracts. (Various)

• Tommy Wright will hold out to the last minute for a fitness check on star Stevie May before naming his team to face Lucerne tonight. (Mail)

Rumour mill: McCoist | Celts eye Barrow | Strachan