Rumour Mill: O'Neill plays down Rangers talk | Laszlo for United? | Mackay explains Jack call-up

Michael O'Neill has played down talk linking him with Rangers; Csaba Laszlo throws his hat into the ring for the Dundee United job and Malky Mackay explains why he called up Ryan Jack

Michael O'Neill is focused on trying to get Northern Ireland to the 2018 World Cup. Picture: Getty Images

O’Neill plays down Gers talk

Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill has brushed off talk of him succeeding Pedro Caixinha at Rangers as ‘speculation’.

The Edinburgh-based former Hibs winger admits it’s ‘always nice’ to be linked with jobs but insists his focus is on getting Northern Ireland to the World Cup finals next year.

Michael O'Neill is focused on trying to get Northern Ireland to the 2018 World Cup. Picture: Getty Images

He added: “What may or may not happen after that is in the laps of the football gods to be honest. It’s not something I have given much thought to at all.” (The Scotsman)

McCall in the mix

Rangers are reportedly keeping their options open regarding a new manager and have Stuart McCall as back-up should their bid to land Derek McInnes not succeed.

McInnes is believed to be the top target but former Ibrox midfielder and manager McCall is on a shortlist of potential candidates. (Various)

Michael O'Neill is focused on trying to get Northern Ireland to the 2018 World Cup. Picture: Getty Images

Csaba keen on United job

Former Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo has emerged as one of the frontrunners for the Dundee United job.

It is believed the Hungarian manager has held talks with the Tannadice club and is out of work after departing Slovakian club Dunajska Streda earlier this year. (Scottish Sun)

Mackay explains Jack call-up

Malky Mackay says the reason he called up Rangers midfield bad boy Ryan Jack to the Scotland squad is because of his performances for Aberdeen.

Jack has been sent off three times since joining the Gers in the summer but Mackay said: “He is someone who was Aberdeen captain and was a consisten performer for them.

“He has gone to Rangers in different circumstances, playing a different style of football and with an array of different players. He is another talented player who we are giving a chance to.” (Evening Times)

Bomber back at Ibrox

John Brown has returned to Ibrox after a five-year hiatus as Rangers director of football Mark Allen unveiled his new scouting team.

Bomber quit his role as a scout in 2012 after the arrival of Charles Green but has returned to a similar role.

He recommended Jamie Vardy to Gers management in 2011 when he was still a Fleetwood Town player. (The Scotsman)

Bayern without five stars for Celtic clash

Bayern Munich will be without five first team players for their match against Celtic this evening.

Robert Lewandowski, who sustained an injury at the weekend, joins Juan Bernat, Thomas Muller, Manuel Neuer and Franck Ribery on the sidelines although Kingsley Coman has overcome a niggle and should play.

Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes is confident that he has the players to cope with the absences. (The Scotsman)

Hanlon eager for Scotland chance

Paul Hanlon has said that he intends to make up for lost time with Scotland after conceding that playing in the Championship for three years hindered his international aspirations.

Although playing in Scotland’s second tier did not adversely affect John McGinn’s desire to earn international recognition, Hanlon believes it did hold him back.

“I think playing in the Championship hampered my chances a wee bit. Now [a call-up] has happened I want to grab the opportunity with both hands. I’m delighted – surprised as well but I’m excited.” (The Scotsman)

Tierney ‘buzzing’ at new deal

Kieran Tierney’s stellar progress at Celtic has seen him rewarded with his second long-term contract extension at the club in less than 18 months.

The highly-regarded left-back has signed a new six-year deal which will run until the summer of 2023. It was only in June 2016 that Tierney penned a five-year contract which was scheduled to expire in 2021.

“I’ve signed a long term contract at the club I support,” said Tierney. “I’m buzzing. I got a long term deal last year when the manager first came in. To have another one so soon is brilliant for me.” (The Scotsman)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Krystian Nowak has insisted he can solve Craig Levein’s injury crisis in midfield after coming on as a sub against Rangers and playing a holding role

• John Hartson’s son scored a hat-trick for Swansea Under-15s against Liverpool at the weekend as the Swans won 4-3

• Ian Black has joined English six-tier side Chorley on non-contract terms until the end of the season