Rumour Mill: Gary Mackay-Steven | Willie Collum | Walter Smith

Gary Mackay-Steven scored for Dundee United. Picture: SNS

CELTIC admit interest in Dundee United’s Gary Mackay-Steven, Willie Collum given two match break and Walter Smith says he regrets joining forces with Charles Green on Rangers board.

Celtic join race for Gary Mackay-Steven

Celtic last night entered the race to sign Gary Mackay-Steven, hours after Dundee United rejected a second bid from Sheffield United for the in-form winger, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

The Scottish champions, who lost 3-2 yesterday to Sparta Prague in their second friendly in Gran Canaria, have made an official approach to United for permission to speak to Mackay-Steven with a view to him possibly signing a pre-contract agreement. (Scotsman)

Gary Mackay-Steven scored for Dundee United. Picture: SNS

Willie Collum sidelined for two matches

Referee Willie Collum has been taken off the fixture card for the next two matches by the SFA following a series of high profile mistakes. (Scotsman)

Walter Smith regrets Rangers board appointment

Walter Smith has emphatically ruled out a return to Rangers in any formal capacity, regardless of who ultimately wins the current battle for control of the beleaguered Ibrox club.

Motoring tycoon Douglas Park, a friend and associate of Smith, is part of the “Three Bears” consortium with George Taylor and George Letham who are seeking to negotiate a £6.5 million investment in Rangers in return for significant boardroom representation. (Scotsman)

Hibs reveal £800,000 loss due to relegation

The financial cost of Hibernian’s calamitous collapse in form last season, which saw the Easter Road club relegated, was laid bare yesterday when the club announced a drop in turnover of more than 25 per cent. (Scotsman)

Celtic warned they could lose the league if they sell Kris Commons

Murdo MacLeod believes Celtic will be placing their Premiership title defence in serious jeopardy if they allow Kris Commons to leave the club this month.

Commons is out of contract at the end of the season and his immediate future remains uncertain with Celtic unwilling to meet his demands for a new two-year contract. (Scotsman)

• Celtic 2-3 Sparta Prague: Czechs see off Hoops• Celtic midfielder Jason Denayer says he will play against Hamilton on Saturday despite dealing with the loss of a childhood friend and Belgian under 21 international Junior Malanda who died in a car crashGenero Zeefuik is ready for a battle at IbroxHearts forward Genero Zeefuik says Hearts can put the title beyond Rangers’ reach when they play the Ibrox side on Friday.

He said: “Rangers have a great stadium at Ibrox, with 50,000 in there. It will be amazing on a Friday night. I said I was nervous before Dumbarton… it will be even more against Rangers. But I hope I can play and make more goals in such an important match.” (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• St Mirren will play a friendly against New York FC next month at Manchester City’s new training ground which has a 7,000 capacity