Rumour Mill: Scotland-England | Rangers

Scotland lost their second match to England in two years on Tuesday. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Gordon Strachan has had enough of England

“To be honest it has affected my enthusiasm for football [in general] at the moment.” Those were the words of Scotland boss Gordon Strachan when asked if Scotland’s 3-1 defeated at the hands of England had tempered his desire to see the fixture become a more common occurrence. The teams have now played in consecutive campaigns after going 14 years without a fixture, though Scotland have now lost both matches. (The Scotsman)

• Scotland scorer Andrew Robertson admits he’s thought much more about his defensive error which led to England’s opening goal than he has his own strike, which was the first netted by a Scotland player against England in Glasgow in 29 years. (The Scotsman)

• Winger Ikechi Anya admits Scotland’s defeat came as a “reality check” to the players. The national team has made excellent progress during Strachan’s tenure thus far but Anya admits they’ll have to raise their game if they are to qualify for the European Championships and compete with the likes of England once more. (The Sun)

• Jack Wilshere, star man for England on Tuesday, backs Scotland to make the finals in France despite Tuesday’s defeat. The Arsenal midfielder has been impressed by the young talent breaking into the national team set-up. (Daily Express)

King made a phantom bid to Rangers

Rangers chairman Sandy Easdale has shone a light on the decision making within the Ibrox boardroom over the past few weeks by accusing former director Dave King of making a phantom bid for the club. The South African based businessman made an offer which would have included a £16 million investment if accepted. However, his bid was turned down with Mike Ashley’s £2 millon loan, which has since been extended by a further £1 million, accepted instead. Easdale states that King failed to provide proof of funds and refused to disclose the identities of other people attached to his consortium. (The Scotsman)

• Sale Sharks owner Brian Kennedy, whose offer of a £3 million loan to Rangers was also turned down, insists his deal would have safeguarded the future of Ibrox Stadium by ensuring it would be used only for football purposes. (Evening Times)

• Midfielder Ian Black is not distracted by the cash problems at Rangers, saying he went through worse at Hearts. Black was on the books at Tynecastle when the club’s cash flow problems prevented them from paying their players on time, with Black famously taking up a second job as a painter and decorator. (The Scotsman)

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Defeat Rangers and Hearts will have one hand on the title

If Hearts win on Saturday, the Scottish Championship title is theirs to lose. At least, that’s the opinion of Jambos’ striker Soufian El Hassnaoui. The Dutch footballer of Moroccan descent is relishing the chance to take on Rangers in the top of the table clash, but admitted the players can’t lose focus even if they manage to stretch the gap to nine points following the much anticipated fixture. (The Scotsman)

• With one of Hearts or Rangers assured of dropping points, Hibs midfielder Sam Stanton has urged his teammates to close the gap when they travel to Dumbarton later on Saturday afternoon. The Easter Road side are 10 points behind Rangers and 16 behind Hearts, with Stanton looking for a draw in Saturday’s early kick-off as the best case scenario.(The Scotsman)

Celtic announce mini-winter break

Celtic will have their own winter break after requesting their January 10 trip to St Johnstone be postponed. All top flight clubs have the right to postpone one fixture in January and this decision will give the league leaders - who could still be fighting in four separate competitions when the match comes around - a much needed 14 day rest period between games. (Daily Express)

Gordon delighted with Scotland return

Craig Gordon admits his first appearance in a Scotland shirt in four years meant as much to him as any other achievement he’s had in football. The 31-year old spent two years out of the game rehabbing a knee injury and few thought he’d ever play professionally again. Celtic took a chance on him this summer and the keeper has been in sparkling form ever since. (The Sun)

• Fraser Forster hailed the fighting spirit of his replacement at Celtic Park. The England keeper trained with Gordon for a month before his £10 million move to Southampton, and Forster recognised quickly that Gordon would be back on the international stage in no time. (Daily Express)

News in brief

• Neil Lennon admits he was glad to get away from the “chaos” of managing Celtic as he reflects on life at Bolton Wanderers. (Daily Mail)

• Paul Quinn wants Ross County to build on their shock 3-0 win at Kilmarnock last week as the league’s bottom placed club look to climb the table. (North Star)

• Malky Mackay made a return to football by becoming the new boss of Wigan Athletic. (The Sun)

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Rumour Mill: Scotland-England | Rangers | Hearts