Rumour Mill: Jim Duffy asks Neil Lennon for '˜square go' | Chelsea deal for Rangers starlet | Pink strip v England
Neil Lennon says Jim Duffy offered him a ‘square go’
Hibs head coach Neil Lennon claims Morton manager Jim Duffy offered him a ‘square go’ during the ugly scenes that marred the end of the clubs’ goalless draw at Easter Road. Lennon was enraged by a tackle on Hibs defender Jordon Forster by Morton’s Kudus Oyenuga which he claimed could have broken Forster’s leg. The managers confronted each other before being separated by various players and officials. Both bosses were sent to the stand by referee Nick Walsh. Oyenuga was also sent off along with Hibs captain Darren McGregor. (The Scotsman)
No punches were thrown, says Duffy
Morton boss Jim Duffy insists no punches were thrown during the towsy scenes at Easter Road. “Believe me, if I’d thrown a punch you would know about it,” said Duffy. It was the first time in his long managerial career that Duffy has been sent to the stand by a referee and the Cappielow No 1 joked that he would ask Neil Lennon for advice about how to deal with it with the SFA. (Various)
Rangers agree deal with Chelsea for Billy Gilmour
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Hide AdRangers have agreed a £600,000 deal in principle with Chelsea for the sale of their 15-year-old midfielder Billy Gilmour. There is still a possibility the player will remain at Ibrox but the Ibrox club have agreed the provisional deal because Gilmour is free to leave Rangers when he turns 16 in June. (The Scotsman)
Pink strips v England would be ‘disgraceful’
Darren Fletcher says it will be “disgraceful” if Scotland have to wear their pink change strip against England at Hampden on 10 June. The Scots had to wear it against the English during the 3-0 defeat at Wembley last November, despite efforts by Fletcher to block it. The reason for needing to wear a change kit is the white sleeves on the Scotland jersey clash with England’s predominantly white strips, according to Fifa. (Various)
McGinn tells Aberdeen he’s off in the summer
Niall McGinn has told Aberdeen he is leaving when his contract expires in the summer. The Northern Ireland international has been linked with a host of clubs, including Hearts, Oxford, Bolton and Sheffield United, but the Dons had harboured hopes he might sign a new deal to stay at Pittodrie. However, they have now had to admit defeat in their bid to keep the 29-year-old. (Various)
Scott Bain turns down contract extension
Dundee goalkeeper Scott Bain has turned down a contract extension at the Dens Park club. Bain, 25, has another season left on his current deal but has indicated that he will leave next summer.
Rankin backs Mackay over criticism of ‘Nando’s generation’
PFA Scotland chairman John Rankin has backed SFA performance director Malky Mackay over his criticism of a young generation of Scottish players who are obsessed with social media and are immersed in a culture of neediness. Rankin, who now plays for Queen of the South, claims young players skip afternoon gym sessions so they can go to Nando’s or the cinema. (Daily Mail)