Martinez opens up on Celtic link

Belgium national team boss Roberto Martinez has revealed he was interviewed by Celtic nine years ago, when he was at Swansea, with a view to succeeding Gordon Strachan.

Martinez said: “I was always very impressed with the need to bring silverware. There was also the prospect of the Champions League and it was always a club that people are attracted to. But in life there has to be the right timing for moves and at that time I wasn’t prepared to go away from my beginnings in the UK.”(Evening Times)

Roberto Martinez has opened up about his link with Celtic. Picture: Getty images

Rangers sign striker on three-year deal

Rangers have signed Linfield youngster Chris McKee on a three-year deal.

The centre forward, 16, had joined the Rangers Academy after banging in the goals for the Blues and his performances for the young Gers have prompted the club to hand him a three-year professional deal.

McKee has also been capped by Northern Ireland at Under-17 level. (Various)

Ex-Hibs winger joins juniors

Former Queen of the South and Hibernian winger Dan Carmichael has signed for Ayrshire junior side Cumnock after a successful trial period. He spent five years at Palmerston Park and featured in nearly 200 games before signing for Hibs in 2015 on a two-year contract. However an abdominal injury restricted the wide-man to just nine competitive appearances for the Easter Road side. Carmichael, 28, was released after 12 months and he headed back to Dumfries but his second spell at Queen of the South was dogged by injuries and he was released at the end of last season. (The Scotsman)

McLeish faces goalie dilemma

Shortly after making the easiest decision of his second spell in charge when installing Andy Robertson as captain, Scotland manager Alex McLeish is now facing his hardest. He revealed that one of his goalkeeping rivals, Craig Gordon and Allan McGregor, will start tonight’s friendly with Belgium while the other will play in the altogether more important Nations League qualifier with Albania on Monday. McLeish added that whoever lines up against Belgium tonight hasn’t necessarily lost out in the race to be No 1. The Scotland manager stressed he has not yet settled on his first-choice goalkeeper. Such is the quality of his options he wants to be fair to both McGregor and Gordon. (The Scotsman)

Ex-Gers and Hibs forward named Morton boss

Morton have appointed Jonatan Johansson as their new manager.

The former Rangers striker and coach takes over from Ray McKinnon who controversially walked out on the club last week to join Championship rivals Falkirk.

Johansson, 43, has signed a two-year contract. (The Scotsman)

Kearney to make Buddies decision

Oran Kearney has been offered a three-year deal to become the new St Mirren boss, and is expected to put pen to paper in the next 48 hours.

Kearney is understood to be keen to take on a full-time post, with the Coleraine board conceding that the opportunity is too good for the 40-year-old teacher to knock back. (Daily Record)

Rumour Mill: Roberto Martinez on Celtic link | Rangers sign striker | Ex-Hibs winger joins juniors