Rumour Mill: Celtic '˜not likely to sign Chelsea starlet' | Ryan Hardie given boost by Rangers boss | Kris Boyd defends Jack criticism

BRENDAN Rodgers is unlikely to follow up his interest in Chelsea's wantaway midfielder Charly Musonda; Rangers youngster Ryan Hardie given boost by caretaker boss; Kris Boyd has defended his crticisim of Ryan Jack's Scotland call up and more in Sunday's Rumour Mill

Kris Boyd has defended his comments on Ryan Jack. Picture: TSPL

Brendan Rodgers is unlikely to follow up his interest in Chelsea’s wantaway midfielder

The 21-year-old Belgian youth international was linked with a loan move to Celtic in the summer.

The Chelsea starlet wants to leave the London clun in January but Celtic are unlikely to follow up their earlier interest following the arival of Olivier Ntcham. (Various)

Rangers youngster Ryan Hardie given boost by caretaker boss

Rnagers prospect Ryan Hardie has spoke to The Sunday Post saying that Graeme Murty has given him the boost he needs to prove that he deserves a new contract at Rangers this season.

Hardie is one of a number of exciting youngsters coming through at Ibrox, but he appears to be facing a fight for his Rangers career with the 20-year-old well into the final year of his contract.

“I’ve worked with Graeme Murty for a couple of months when I wasn’t in the first-team, so he’s had the confidence in me to take me up to the first-team and get me involved.

“He’s a big factor in me being confident and being who I am today.” (Sunday Post)

Kris Boyd has defended his crticisim of Ryan Jack’s Scotland call up

Kris Boyd has defended his comments claiming that Jack’s inclusion in the national set-up made Scottish football a “laughing stock” .

“He’s had more red cards than good games for Rangers this season,” Boyd said of Jack. “Why does he even deserve to be there?”

The former Rangers man then took flak for the comments following a decent display by the midfielder in Scotland’s defeat to Holland.

But Boyd says he won’t be changing his ways.

“I just give my straight, honest opinion, plus, I’m not really swayed by who my friends are,” Boyd told The Times. “I see journalists who have got friends in football, and they stick up for them constantly.

“If you are a pundit, don’t wait for something to happen — give your opinion there and then as you see it. I’ve been in the game for years and I’ve finished every single coaching badge that is going: my B licence, my A licence and my Pro licence. So I think I know about football. I feel qualified.

“I know exactly what makes football clubs and football players tick. Plus, I speak to people and I listen. I never put myself in a position where I say something, without first having carefully thought about it.” (The Times)

Boos in Aberdeen don’t bother me says Rangers’ Ryan Jack

Ryan Jack says earning his first cap at right-back in the friendly defeat to the Dutch on Thursday, and earning praise for his display from temporary Scotland manager Malky Mackay, outweighed being on the receiving end from supporters inside Pittodrie.

“It’s part and parcel of football and doesn’t bother me at all,” he said. “I got booed coming in off the bus and got booed when you I got the ball but look, we were up in Aberdeen, the majority are Aberdeen fans that are here supporting Scotland, I knew that before the game. Look I just want to concentrate on my football and make the most of my first cap for my country.” (The Scotsman)

I’m playing best football of my life, says Hibs’ John McGinn

John McGinn says he was delighted by the chance to play for his country and feels he is playing the best football of his career.

“To start as No.8 for Scotland was a massive honour for me. It’s the lowest number I’ve ever been for Scotland,” said the 23-year-old, who declared it an “extra boost” to hear his named announced on the Tannoy as man of the match.

“I was 14 for the whole of the last campaign. So I’ve told my mum and dad, I’ve gone from 14 to eight – so I’m getting there! You just need to try and be patient with Scotland because I know I’m competing with top players for a place in midfield.

“I managed to get an opportunity when Stuart [Armstrong] pulled out injured for the Holland game. It was up to me to grab that chance. I was desperate to do that and I think I managed it. To be No.8 for my country was a dream come true and hopefully I can make the position my own now.” (The Scotsman)