Rumour Mill: Terry Butcher | Kenny Miller

Scott Brown: Criticised for kicking out at opponent during Norway friendly. Picture: AP

Hibs may appeal over Terry Butcher dugout ban

New Hibernian manager Terry Butcher faces having to watch his side from the stands as a two-game suspension given to him in his previous job is carried over. The ban, given to him in the aftermath of a cup tie between Inverness and Dundee United means Butcher will be unable to take charge of the Edinburgh’s side’s match against St Mirren in Paisley tomorrow.

Maurice Malpas is expected to take charge in Butcher’s absence, though Hibs will likely appeal the charge.

As per SFA rules, Butcher will be prevented from occupying “a place in or in the vicinity of the players’ tunnel, technical area or substitutes’ bench or on the track or playing surface” from an hour before kick-off and will not be able to rejoin his squad until five minutes after the full-time whistle. (Scotsman)

Laxey Partners become majority shareholders at Rangers and vow to back board

After becoming the largest shareholder in Rangers following a £1.4 million deal, Isle of Man-based hedge fund Laxey Partners threw its weight behind the current board.

The group took its shareholding to 11.64 per cent of the company, Rangers International Football Club plc, after buying more than 3.3 million shares.

The purchase was made on Wednesday and Rangers notified the London Stock Exchange of the change of shareholding yesterday.

Laxey founding partner Colin Kingsnorth said: “We will be voting for the current board at the agm. It feels like the requisitionists have pushed the pace of change for the good and there is now a professional and competent board in place.

“This is not the old board but new, good people. Graham Wallace seems very good news. The days of wheeling and dealing seemed to have passed and a professional board is in place – we want to give them a chance to get on with it.” (Scotsman)

Charlie Nicholas slams ‘childish’ Scott Brown

Charlie Nicholas has told Celtic and Scotland captain Scott Brown to “grow up” in the wake of another controversy that could have seen the midfielder sent off. Brown was fortunate to escape a red card after a petulant kick at Vegard Forren in Scotland’s 1-0 win against Norway, and Nicholas said Brown’s indiscipline was childish.

Nicholas, who was also referring to Brown’s sending off against Barcelona for an off-the-ball incident involving Neymar, said: “When is the penny going to drop with Scott? When is he going to learn?” He added: I just don’t get people talking about him being naive of frustrated. I’m sorry, that’s garbage. Scott Brown has got to grow up and realise he can’t do that.” (Daily Express)

Alex McLeish hails Gordon Strachan Scotland impact

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish believes his friend Gordon Strachan has excelled in the role by instilling a work ethic and belief in the national team.

McLeish said: “There is no great secret to it - hard work is something that should just be a given.

“Top clubs like Bayern Munich - you look at them, the champions of Europe and the best club team in the world at the moment arguably, and they have players that are not only exceptional technically and quality-wise. They have fantastic work rate, and Gordon has got a fantastic work ethic out of the lads.

“I have to say, before Gordon came in, I thought that these guys were underachieving. They have been playing in England after all.” (Scotsman)

Kenny Miller has no regrets over Scotland retirement

Having ploughed a lonely and ultimately fruitless furrow up front for Scotland through six failed attempts to reach the finals of a major championship, Kenny Miller has already resigned himself to what will happen in the first campaign following his international retirement.

“Don’t even say it,” he smiled, when the subject was raised. “It’s Sod’s Law that Scotland will get to Euro 2016. I might try and make a comeback if they do! Seriously, it’s one of those things that’s just written in the stars.”

On quitting the Scotland set-up, Miller said: “Listen, I feel at the moment I could still play and I could still do a job for Scotland. But factoring in where I’m playing and when the next finals are going to be, I thought it was time.

“I have missed it, but whether it was the right or wrong decision doesn’t matter now. It felt right at the time and with the campaign being at the stage it was, I was wondering if I was going to take a spot in the squad off somebody else who could maybe help us in the next round of qualifiers.” (Scotsman)

Kenny Shiels tops shortlist for Inverness job

Former Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels is at the top of Inverness’ shortlist for their vacant managerial post. Inverness are expected to make an appointment by the end of next week. Shiels, who was sacked by Kilmarnock in June after joining them in 2011, is expected to appoint Jimmy Nicholl as his assistant if he is given the job at the Highlands club.

Inverness chairman Kenny Cameron said: “We are now proceeding to interview the candidates. It is our hope we will make the appointment before the Scottish Cup tie with Morton.” (Daily Record)

Nigeria international Gabriel Reuben ‘not good enough for Saints’

Gabriel Reuben has not done enough to deserve a place in the St Johnstone first team, Allan Johnston has said. The Saints manager was responding to comments made by Nigeria international Reuben suggesting that Johnston was lying to fans about the reason behind his omission from the squad.

“I’ve just seen a video of Allan Johnston saying he’s not seen enough of me,” Reuben said on Twitter, “Be honest with me and the fans - you have seen me training for months.”

Johnston, responding to the remarks, said: “He will need to do a lot better than just now. He’s not in the plans and we have really good players coming through, so the last thing you want is to stop their development. It doesn’t matter what he’s done before. You need to deserve to be playing in the first team.” (The Sun)

IN BRIEF

• Graeme Bennett has resigned as Inverness vice-chairman, citing concerns at the direction in which the club is heading. Bennett, who was key to appointing now-departed Terry Butcher in 2009, said he was leaving due to “growing reservations about the boardroom mix and the influence that is having.” (Daily Express)

• Kenny Miller has not ruled out making a move to Rangers for a third spell at the club. Miller, currently in Scotland recovering from injury, is currently under contract at MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps until June 2014. He said: “Anything can happen in football. But until talks have taken place I’m just concentrating on getting fit again.” (Daily Record)

Rumour Mill: Terry Butcher | Kenny Miller | Celtic