Rumour Mill: Celtic's Scott Brown blow | SPFL's compensation blow over farce | Scotland's World Cup bid
Scott Brown blow for Celtic
Celtic captain Scott Brown is set to miss their Europa League clash with FC Salzburg. The midfielder was unable to train on Wednesday ahead of the game due to a hamstring strain. Brown has played very minute of Celtic’s 18 games this season. (Various)


Steven Gerrard’s warning to Rangers players
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSteven Gerrard has told his players to shake hands with the opposition whether they win or lose. Alrfedo Morelos and Daniel Candeias refused following the defeat to Livingston which prompted a kerfuffle after the full-time whistle. The Rangers manager says it shows respect. (The Scotsman)
Scotland’s bid to host the World Cup
Hampden Park and Murrayfield could feature in a UK and Ireland bid for the World Cup. A joint-bid to host the tournament in 2030 is on the cards. There will be a high criteria for the stadia and both Scottish stadiums could be upgraded as part of the pitch. (The Scotsman)
Hibs winger to be picked for Australia
Hibs winger Martin Boyle is set to be picked for Australia. The speedster was touted with a Scotland call-up but qualifies for Australian through his father who was born in the country. Graham Arnold will pick him in the Socceroos squad to play Kuwait. (Fox Football)
SPFL’s Betfred Cup compensation hit
The SPFL have agreed to pay for the a semi-final which won’t be staged at Hampden Park. The organisation announced on Wednesday that they were switching the Hearts v Celtic semi-final to BT Murrayfield. It is believed they will fork out around £100,000 to cover the cost of the game that be played in Mount Florida. Scottish Rugby want 20 per cent of the gate receipts from the clash in Edinburgh. (Daily Record)
• READ MORE: Everything we know about the Betfred Cup farce
Hearts hopes over star striker
Hearts remain hopeful of having striker Uche Ikpeazu fit for Sunday’s trip to Ibrox. The Englishman has missed the past three matches with a foot injury which is still healing, but he could return against Rangers. Ikpeazu has been an impressive focal point in attack for the surprise league leaders. (Edinburgh Evening News)
Aberdeen to defend McKenna
Aberdeen centre-back Scott McKenna has been hit with a Notice of Complaint from compliance officer Clare Whyte for his high challenge on Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard. The 21-year-old was offered a two-game ban but it was instantly rejected by the club. Aberdeen have lodged an appeal. (The Sun)
Celtic fume over Murrayfield decision
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdCeltic have hit out at the decision to switch their Betfred Cup semi-final against Hearts from Hampden to BT Murrayfield. The Scottish champions wanted a ballot held to decide which of the two last-four clashes should be moved to the rugby stadium. They described the failure to do this as both “irrational and discriminatory”. (The Scotsman)
Celtic star not fazed by critics
Jack Hendry has come in for severe criticism this season. The Celtic centre-back was one of the scapegoats for the club’s exit from the Champions League after the defeat in Athens to AEK. However, the player has stayed away from social media. (Various)
Miller backs Livi keeper for Scotland
Kenny Miller has backed Liam Kelly for a Scotland cap. The Dundee striker signed the goalkeeper for Livingston when he was manager. (BBC)
• READ MORE: Rangers boss Steven Gerrard looks for Rapid recovery