Rumour Mill: O’Halloran to Rangers? | Celtic eye John Souttar | Andrej Kramaric

Is Michael O'Halloran a target for Rangers? Picture: Getty

Bitton nets rocket against Cyprus

CELTIC midfielder Nir Bitton confirmed suspicions that he doesn’t ‘do’ scrappy goals, scoring a screamer for Israel against Cyprus in Jerusalem last night.

Gers linked with O’Halloran

RANGERS have been linked with a shock January swoop for Michael O’Halloran.

The St Johnstone striker has been in fine form for Tommy Wright’s men and helped dismantle Rangers at Ibrox in the recent league cup meeting between the sides.

And the former Tranmere striker is reportedly a target for Mark Warburton, but would command a fee if the Gers were to make a move. (Various)

Hoops eye Souttar swoop

CELTIC could raid Tannadice once again for highly-rated 19-year-old John Souttar.

Able to play in central defence or defensive midfield, Souttar has been linked with a host of top clubs including Arsenal and Southampton, and turned down a move to Sunderland two years ago after a £600,00 bid was accepted by Dundee United.

Capped by Scotland at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 levels, Souttar has made 58 appearances for United, scoring twice. (Evening Telegraph)

Kramaric ‘unhappy’ at Leicester

CELTIC could rekindle their interest in Leicester striker Andrej Kramaric after the 24-year-old told Sata24 that he deserved more first-team opportunities.

Croatian striker Kramaric told Sata24: “I don’t know why I’m not playing. The fans love me, they support me and they are sorry I get so few chances. I deserve to play more, it affects my confidence. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Signed from HNK Rijeka in January after an impressive 55 goals in 65 appearances, Kramaric has been pushed down the pecking order under Claudio Ranieri, and was linked with Celtic on transfer deadline day. (Sata24)

Strachan to confirm future

GORDON Strachan is to confirm his future in the coming days, after Scotland’s final group match against Gibraltar in Faro.

The former Celtic and Middlesbrough boss has remained tight-lipped over his future after Thursday’s 2-2 draw with Poland and Ireland’s 1-0 win over Germany consigned the Scots to another summer without a major tournament.

But Strachan is set to talk to those closest to him before making a decision on the contract that the SFA has said is there for him to sign. (Scotland on Sunday)

Brown backs Strachan

CELTIC and Scotland skipper Scott Brown has backed Gordon Strachan to carry on as national team coach.

Brown, who said the manner of Scotland’s exit was ‘extremely hard to take’, added: “I think [Strachan] loves his job and loves being about the lads and the lads have showed great attitude in turning up to play through injuries, playing for him and training for him and doing everything he’s asked and hopefully he stays for us.” (Scotland on Sunday)

Quintet pull out of Gibraltar clash

SCOTLAND have been hit by a raft of call-offs for Sunday’s dead-rubber Euro qualifier against Gibraltar in Portugal.

Leigh Griffiths, James McArthur, James Morrison, Charlie Mulgrew and Jordan Rhodes have all withdrawn for the game in Faro. (Scotland on Sunday)

Wales make first finals since 1958

WALES are celebrating despite defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina after Israel’s loss to Cyprus confirmed Chris Coleman’s men would be travelling to France next summer.

The country’s first major tournament appearance in nearly 60 years means they will join fellow home nations England and Northern Ireland, who are appearing after a 30-year absence.

The Republic of Ireland could also join them if results go their way in Group D.

Talisman Gareth Bale called it the ‘greatest defeat’ of his life.