Rumour Mill: Jozo Simunovic | Tom Rogic | Rangers tax case

Jozo Simunovic is a doubt for Celtic. Picture: Neil Hanna

Jozo Simunovic a doubt for Molde match, Tom Rogic ready to sign new Celtic contract and Martin O’Neill against stripping of Rangers’ titles.

Celtic’s Simunovic a doubt for Molde clash

Ronny Deila will let £3million defender Jozo Simunovic decide if he’s fit enough to face Molde in Thursday night’s crunch Europa League clash.

The Croatian is rated no higher than 50/50 to make it after sustaining an ankle injury against Aberdeen. (Mail)

Rogic ready to pledge future to Celtic

Tom Rogic says he is ready follow Nir Biton and sign a new long-term contract with the Parkhead club. (Record)

Martin O’Neill cautions against stripping of Rangers’ titles

Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has revealed that whatever happens in the aftermath of yesterday’s HMRC victory in the ‘big tax case’ that it does not hold significant bearing on the perception of his tenure in Glasgow.

O’Neill, though, was reluctant to advocate any retrospective punishment despite the fact that Celtic lost out on two final day titles under his tenure at the club in 2003 and 2005, insisting that whatever action is taken years later does little to affect what happened at the time.

“What is comes down to is this: there were titles and cups that were won and lost on a field of play when two teams went up against one another,” he said. “You do not know what is going on at a football club behind the scenes and you assume that everything is as it appears. (Herald)

Dundee United talks over Australian club break down

Talks between Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson and Football Federation Australia have broken down over the sale of the A-League’s Newcastle Jets.

The FFA released a statement on Thursday saying Thompson’s consortium failed to complete the agreed sale by the informal Oct. 31 deadline, meaning they have lost their exclusivity to the Jets. (Various)

Solskjaer wanted to play for Celtic

Molde manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits, however, that he will feel a twinge of jealousy when his players take to the Parkhead playing surface on Thursday.

For that, he can blame Roy Keane. Solskjaer used to make trips to Celtic Park in the company of his Manchester United colleague, thriving on the passion he witnessed. (Mail)

Jon Daly takes on coaching role at Hearts

Hearts have appointed former Rangers and Dundee United striker Jon Daly as their new under-20s coach.

The 32-year-old will take the reins in January after his short-term contract with Raith Rovers expires. (Various)

Neil Lennon determined to turn around Bolton

Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon has refused to throw in the towel at Bolton despite their struggles.

The Northern Irishman has seen his Trotters side drift four points from safety in England’s second tier, having taken over the side less than a year ago.

They have the lowest goals tally in the league, with only 10 strikes since the season began, despite having recently signed former Newcastle star Shola Ameobi. (Various)

Hibs reach League Cup semi final

Hibernian lived up to their pre-match tag of favourites to secure a place in the last four of the League Cup following a 3 - 0 victory over Dundee United.

(Scotsman)

Andrew Smith: Rangers were heading for rocks before Craig Whyte

A few myths were exploded, a few matters set straight and a few more made altogether more complicated by the Court of Session’s decision yesterday to uphold the appeal of HMRC that Rangers ought to have paid tax on their Employee Benefits Trusts.

For too long, too many followers of the Ibrox club have attempted to paint the “oldco” Rangers’ demise as being the sole responsibility of Craig Whyte. They have sought to promote the narrative that, had he never appeared on the scene, Rangers would not have suffered liquidation and been forced to reform in the Third Division. (Scotsman)

Ronny Deila says Molde defeat not worth analysing

Good riddance to bad rubbish. That sentiment just about covers the depth of Ronny Deila’s analysis of Celtic’s painful 3-1 defeat in Molde which has placed their Europa League ambitions firmly on the line tonight.

“Sometimes you have games you don’t look at afterwards,” said Deila. “You just take it, crush it up and throw it into the 
garbage. (Scotsman)

Garry O’Connor: I’d love to be Hibs manager

Former Hibernian striker Garry O’Connor admits he harbours hopes of returning to Easter Road as manager after vowing to realise his coaching potential.

The 32-year-old was confirmed as manager of Lowland League outfit Selkirk on Sunday following the departure of Steve Forrest – and is determined to “prove a few people wrong” by rising through the divisions. (Scotsman)

Jackie McNamara is new manager of York City

Jackie McNamara is back in football as manager of York City in England’s bottom tier.

McNamara, who was dismissed by Dundee United last month, replaces Russ Wilcox. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

Aberdeen’s Michael Rose has joined Forfar Athletic on a one month emergency loan