Rumour Mill: Rodgers laughs off England link | Warburton slams fixtures | Crossan to Celtic | Hibs land Holt

Brendan Rodgers laughs off talk linking him with England job; Mark Warburton bemoans fixture list; Celtic set to sign PJ Crossan and Hibs bring in Holt but miss out on McDonald

Brendan Rodgers has laughed off England rumours insisting he is happy in his 'dream job' at Celtic. Picture: Getty Images

Rodgers rubbishes England talk

BRENDAN Rodgers has laughed off talk linking himself with the England job and has ruled himself out of the running to succeed Roy Hodgson.

Rodgers was sounded out by the FA last year but insists he is happy at Parkhead, describing managing Celtic as his ‘dream job’. (Various)

Warburton hits out at fixtures

MARK Warburton has hit out at the Scottish Premiership fixtures row, claiming Rangers are at a disadvantage by facing Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts away from home twice before the league splits.

The Ibrox boss reckons that complaints made by the likes of Partick Thistle highlight how much Scottish football’s top flight has missed Rangers. (Various)

Crossan agrees Celtic switch

DUNFERMLINE youngster PJ Crossan has agreed to sign for Celtic, after the Hoops made an offer around two weeks ago for the striker.

Crossan is expected to join Celtic’s Under-20s, despite breaking into the Pars first team towards the end of last season. (The Courier)

Holt joins Hibs

GRANT Holt has become Neil Lennon’s first signing as Hibs boss, but the former Norwich hitman warned his new manager ‘I’ve come here to score goals.’

The 35-year-old striker is aware that Lennon will want to utilise his experience to help the younger players such as Jason Cummings and Jamie Insall, but is keen to score goals and enjoy football.

Lennon tried to bring Holt to Bolton, but injury scuppered a potential move, and Lennon said he was ‘delighted’ to finally land Holt. (The Scotsman)

Dembele wants to emulate Larsson

CELTIC new boy Moussa Dembele didn’t mince his words after clinching a deal at Celtic, boldly claiming he wants to emulate Hoops legend Henrik Larsson and predicting that he can become the best striker in the world.

The Frenchman, who reportedly knocked back offers from Galatasaray, Stuttgart and PSG to join Celtic, believes working under Brendan Rodgers can help him reach his potential. (Various)

Hibs face missing out on McDonald

HIBERNIAN look set to miss out on striker Scott McDonald after talks between the two parties broke down.

Lennon had targeted the Australian forward as well as Grant Holt, but McDonald could yet stay at Fir Park. (Scottish Sun)

Gers move is icing on cake for Hodson

FORMER Kilmarnock loanee Lee Hodson has admitted that joining Rangers is the ‘icing on the cake’ of a memorable month, after the Northern Irish full back signed a three-year deal after returning from Euro 2016.

Hodson, who joins from MK Dons, is looking forward to working under Mark Warburton again. (The Scotsman)

Thomson set to join juniors

KEVIN Thomson is set to join Scottish junior side Tranent on a two-year deal, just months after playing for Hibs in the Scottish League Cup final.

Thomson, who was brought in as a player/coach by Alan Stubbs, had returned to Hibs for a third time but found playing time limited as Hibs won the Scottish Cup and pushed for promotion. (Various)

Djoum eyes Man Utd clash

HEARTS star Arnaud Djoum is hopeful that the Gorgie side can land a glamour tie against Manchester United.

The Belgian midfielder will be hoping to help Hearts to victory over Estonia’s European newcomers Infonet at Tynecastle tonight. (Daily Record)

Killie land Burn on loan

KILMARNOCK boss Lee Clark has further added to his squad by bringing in Middlesbrough defender Jonny Burn in on a season-long loan deal.

Burn, who captains Boro’s Under-21 side, spent time on loan at Oldham last season. (Teeside Gazette)

Kolkata sign former SPL duo

INDIAN Super League side Atletico de Kolkata have bolstered their squad with the signings of former Celtic and Motherwell midfielder Stephen Pearson and ex-Falkirk goalkeeper Dani Mallo Castro.

Founded just two years ago, Kolkata are owned by Kolkata Games and Sports Pvt. Ltd., comprising ex-Indian cricketer Sourav Gangula, Atletico Madrid and a trio of Indian businessmen. (Various)

Brown trains alone

CELTIC skipper Scott Brown trained by himself yesterday, after picking up a knock on the club’s pre-season tour.

Brendan Rodgers is hoping Brown will be fit for the start of the next campaign and Celtic are keen not to take any risks with their captain, who struggled with injury last season. (Daily Mail)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Hibs No 2 Garry Parker will be watching Valur’s clash with Brondby tonight as Hibs seek to up their preparations for their Europa League clash against the winners

• Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes reckons leading the Dons to the Europa League group stages will eclipse the League Cup win in 2014

• Jackson Irvine is ignoring talk linking him with Burton Albion. The Australian midfielder was the subject of a £150,000 bid that was knocked back by Ross County chairman Roy MacGregor and manager Jim McIntyre