Rumour Mill: Ivan Sproule | Marcus Tornstrand | John Brown

Derek Adams plays down Ivan Sproule dugout spat, Dundee United sign Marcus Tornstrand and John Brown has no regrets over Rangers bid.

Derek Adams plays down Sproule spat

Ross County manager Derek Adams has played down the spat which occurred between him and Ivan Sproule last night after the winger was substituted.

Adams had words with the player and pushed him into the dugout after he walked off in a huff after being pulled off the park. (Sun)

Dundee United sign Marcus Tornstrand

Jackie McNamara has signed defender Marcus Tornstrand until the end of the season as the Tannadice club look to ease their defensive woes.

United have had to make do with quick fixes and were heavily defeated 6 - 2 by Celtic recently, McNamara also blamed the club’s defensive weaknesses on their 2 - 2 draw with Hibs. (Mail)

John Brown ‘no regrets’ at Ibrox rant

New Dundee manager John Brown says he has no regrets over his decision to publicly denounce Charles Green on the steps of Ibrox following the Yorkshireman’s takeover of the club.

Former Rangers scout Brown says the jury is still out on Green and that his own bid for the Ibrox club was the right thing to do. (Express)

Neil Lennon urges supporters to back team

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has urged fans to back his side this season and beyond by attending the club’s home matches.

Parkhead has seen attendances regularly below the 40,000 mark this season despite the club having 43,000 season ticket holders. (Record)

More managers will be fire after league revamp says Kenny Shiels

Kilmarnock manager Shiels says the revamp of Scottish football to a 12-12-18 structure will see more managers dismissed.

Under the proposed system, the top two divisions will split into three leagues of eight after 22 games.

The four clubs that drop out of the top division could all potentially be relegated, which according to Shiels, will put increased pressure on top flight managers. (Record)

Hibs can’t afford Steven Thompson

Hibs boss Pat Fenlon says the club are unlikely to resign Kevin Thompson as they cannot afford his wages.

Boss Pat Fenlon says the former Rangers players is only training with the club however he did say “in football you never know”.

Scott Brown out ‘indefinitely’

Celtic captain Scott Brown will miss his side’s upcoming Champions League encounter against Juventus and will also be out of Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Serbia.

Manager Neil Lennon said his player would be out “indefinitely” as he waits for a surgeon’s report on whether he is to undergo an operation or rest up.

The midfielder suffers from a degenerative hip condition. (Scotsman)

St Mirren can still reach top six

St Mirren keeper Craig Samson says his side can still reach the top six but they have to act now following two defeats in a row.

The Paisley side had been on a decent run before the losses with a run of four wins and having knocked Celtic out of the league cup. (Scotsman)

Rangers draw with Stirling Albion

Ally McCoist’s side drew 1 - 1 with Stirling Albion last night meaning Forthbank is the only Division 3 ground that the Ibrox side have not won at this season.

Rangers suffered a 1 - 0 defeat to the Binos at their home ground in October. (Scotsman)

• Rangers manager McCoist pinned the blame for last night’s draw at the Ibrox defence

IN BRIEF

• Dumbarton have apologised to fans after their match with Raith Rovers was called off just an hour before kick-off last night

• Sheffield United are keen to tie down Scotland international Barry Robson on a longer term deal after he was signed until the end of the season last month

• Scotland have been awarded 300 extra tickets for their away World Cup qualifier against Serbia

• Alloa have signed former Hearts striker Callum Elliot until the end of the season

• Brechin say they are working hard on a drainage solution at Glebe Park after their match against Queen of the South was postponed yesterday

• Limerick have signed former Ayr defender Jonathan Tiffoney