Rumour Mill: Tom Rogic to Arsenal? | Rotherham in for Alan Stubbs

Australia's Tom Rogic holds off pressure from England's Chris Smalling. Picture: Getty Images

Tom Rogic being chased by Arsenal, Valencia and Fiorentina

A trio of clubs are leading the chase to sign Celtic’s Tom Rogic after the Australian’s impressive display against England last night. The playmaker has 12 months to run on his contract at Parkhead, and Celtic chiefs are anxious to retain his services.

After his first two seasons were dampened by injuries, Rogic became a key player for Ronny Deila last season.

Speaking in March, Rogic said his first choice was to remain at Parkhead. (The Scottish Sun)

Hibs’ Alan Stubbs one of ‘three favourites’ for Rotherham job

Hibs head coach Alan Stubbs is among “three favourites” for the vacant post at Rotherham, according to the Yorkshire club’s chairman.

The English Championship side are on the hunt for a new manager following Neil Warnock’s departure at the end of the season.

Their chairman Tony Stewart told STV: “Alan Stubbs is one of our three favourites for the job but we will do things the right way. We must first ask Hibs for permission before we speak to Alan directly.” (Scotsman)

Ross McCormack misses his own stag do for Scotland call-up

Scotland’s Ross McCormack has revealed that he is missing his own stag do in order to make himself available to Gordon Strachan for friendlies against Italy and France.

The 29-year-old Fulham striker has forced his way back into Gordon Strachan’s squad after 23 goals in 49 club appearances this season.

“I had my stag do booked. I should be in LA just now but there was no hesitation,” explained the former Rangers, Motherwell and Leeds player. “It was just a case of: ‘Of course, yes’. A group of the lads are away on the stag just now. I’m scared to look at my phone.” (Scotsman)

Rangers face Motherwell in opening game of season

Rangers first game for four years as part of Scotland’s top flight will be against the team that beat them in last season’s play-off final. Motherwell, who beat the Ibrox side over two legs in 2015, now face Rangers in the revamped Betfred Cup. Rangers have been drawn in Group F alongside Motherwell, Stranraer, East Stirling and Annan.

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, who helped draw the teams, said: “The [League Cup] was tired before. Now all these group games are meaningful. It all adds spice and interest at the start of the new season.” (The Scottish Sun)

Stefan Johansen fears Celtic exit, but Scott Allan ‘has a future’

Stefan Johansen fears he may follow his mentor Ronny Deila out the door at Celtic Park. The Norway midfielder has one year of his contract left to run, with talks ongoing but some way away from resolution.

Johanse has praised Celtic’s appointment of Brendan Rodgers, but said he was unsure of whether he would be around to play under him.

“We have been negotiating for a little while,” he said. “There is no clarification on the situation.”

Meanwhile, Scott Allan has been told he has a future at Parkhead despite interest from several English clubs, including Nottingham Forest, QPR and Derby. Rodgers wants to assess the player, who was frustrated at a lack of playing time under Deila. (Scottish Sun, Daily Record)

Interview: Alan McLaren on man-marking Roberto Baggio

Ayr United’s Calvin Ayre attacks SFA sanction over raunchy kit launch

Ayr United’s chief sponsor Calvin Ayre has dismissed criticism of his side’s use of a topless model to launch the team’s new kit. SFA chiefs are considering charging the Honest Men with bringing the game into disrepute after complaints from Scottish Women’s Football and other high-profile women in the game. Canadian tycoon Ayre, whose gambling firm Bodog sponsor Ayr United, said: “This is a bit strange as we have body painted models at the press launch of the deal five years ago and this is the fifth consecutive year we’ve done a similar photoshoot. This ‘outraged of Glasgow’ reaction is, at best, bizarre.” (Daily Record)

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Rumour Mill: Tom Rogic to Arsenal? | Rotherham in for Alan Stubbs | Stefan Johansen fears exit