Rumour Mill: Scotland | Rangers | Kris Commons

GORDON STRACHAN is “drained” after a “terrific” game of football where Scotland drew 2-2 with Poland, Dave King meets with the Rangers board as he looks to invest £16m to gain control of the club, and Neil Lennon could make Kris Commons his first signing at Bolton.

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan speaks to the press after Scotland's 2-2 draw. Picture: SNS

Scotland earn a point from Poland trip

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan believes his squad are “getting better and better” after drawing 2-2 with Poland last night. The visitors went behind in the 11th minute but equalised just seven minutes later through Shaun Maloney. Steven Naismith put Scotland ahead 12 minutes into the second half, but a late equaliser ensured a share of the spoils. Strachan called the contest a “terrific game of football” and said the whole experience had left him “drained”. (The Scotsman)

• Goalscorer Naismith insists Scotland are delighted with a point despite entering the final 15 minutes with a one goal lead. The striker pointed to Germany’s defeat on the same ground three days ago and reasoned Scotland bettering that result was a sign of the team’s progress. (Daily Express)

• Alan Hutton has accepted some of the blame for his part in Poland’s two goals last night. The Aston Villa right back’s heavy touch set up Krzysztof Mączyński to give the hosts the lead, and Hutton was at fault again later in the match as he lost his marker Arkadiusz Milik who levelled the scores at 2-2. (Daily Express)

Dave King meets with Rangers board

Former director Dave King returned to Ibrox yesterday for a meeting with the Rangers board as he looks to push through his bid for the club. It was revealed last week that King had teamed up with fellow ex-director Paul Murray and wealthy supporter George Letham to put together a £16 million package aimed at gaining control of Rangers and stabilising it as a business. (The Scotsman)

Lennon looking to re-sign Kris Commons

Neil Lennon could make his former star pupil at Celtic, Kris Commons, his first signing as manager of Bolton. The 31-year old’s contract expires at the end of this season and there has been ongoing speculation regarding his role at Celtic Park under new manager Ronny Deila. (Daily Mail)

• It is a fallacy to believe managing Celtic is “easy”, at least that’s according to former assistant manager Johan Mjallby. Unveiled as Neil Lennon’s No.2 at Bolton yesterday, the Swede cited the struggles of new boss Ronny Deila as evidence and although he doesn’t like to see his old side underperform, he did admit that it reflects kindly on the abilities of Lennon and himself. (The Sun)

• St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright feels Bolton Wanderers is the perfect place for Lennon because it’s the exact opposite to the situation he had at Celtic. The Northern Irishman maintains Lennon was “underrated” by English onlookers because Celtic were expected to win, and if he starts winning with bottom placed Bolton then that will soon change. (The Sun)

• That opinion was reinforced by former Bolton boss Owen Coyle who perceives Scottish football’s low reputation to be detrimental to the image of its managers. (Daily Record)

Pittodrie ticket row

Celtic and Aberdeen are feuding over ticket allocation for next month’s Scottish Premiership clash between the two sides at Pittodrie. The hosts have cut the league champions allocation down from 3,500 to 2,000 briefs, which prompted Celtic to speak out about the matter. However, Aberdeen have defended the decision by insisting they will not move season ticket holders and that this decision is a “one-off”. (The Sun)

Alan Stubbs’s Hibernian confidence

Alan Stubbs is still confident he’s the right man to turn fortunes around at Easter Road. Hibs have made a lacklustre start to the season and can only look on enviously as city rivals Hearts are streaking away at the top of the division. However, Stubbs has reminded everyone that it’s a marathon and not a sprint, and believes his team will be in a better position come May. (The Herald)

News in brief

• Hamilton’s Darian MacKinnon has admitted his own “stupidity” for the red card at Tannadice which saw him miss Hamilton’s last four games, and he doesn’t expect to come straight back into the team. (The Scotsman)

• New Partick Thistle defender Frederic Frans, who signed a short term deal at the club on Tuesday, has credited former teammates Charlie Miller and Tony Watt as the reason he moved to Scotland. The former Lierse stopper featured alongside both players in his native Belgium. (Daily Express)

• Scottish international George Boyd has urged Strachan not to forget about him, and to give his Burnley teammate Scott Arfield a chance in the national set-up. Boyd has twice played for Scotland (both under Strachan) but has been omitted from recent squads. (The Herald)

• Paul Quinn has gone on trial at Ross County after failing to win a deal at Hibs. The former Motherwell defender is a free agent after leaving Doncaster Rovers this summer. (The Herald)