Tuesday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is using the taunts of goalkeeper Benfica goalkeeper Artur as motivation ahead of the two sides' Champions League meeting in Lisbon, with the stopper saying the Glasgow side employ negative tactics.

Lennon's Celtic take on Benfica on Tuesday evening

Meanwhile, Artur's team-mate Rodrigo Lima feels it is important Benfica eliminate Celtic for the good of the competition.

Full story: Daily Record

Captain Scott Brown faces a race against time to be fit in time for the clash with Benfica but Kris Commons, Joe Ledley, Gary Hooper, Georgios Samaras and Miku have all declared themselves fit to play at Estadio da Luz. (Daily Express)

Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov has told Angelo Massone he is not the right man to run the club after turning down a £4.5m takeover bid from the Italian.

Full story: Daily Express

But, though he has ruled out an increased bid, Massone still wants to buy the Tynecastle outfit and is keen to discuss his plans with the Foundation of Hearts and Supporters Direct. (Daily Mail)

Scottish Premier League chief executive Neil Doncaster has defended plans for two top divisions of 12 that split into three leagues of eight after criticism from Scottish Football League chairmen. (Daily Express)

Dundee United manager Peter Houston has challenged left-back Barry Douglas to win a new deal at Tannadice. (Daily Express)

Dunfermline have partially paid the first instalment of a £81,000 tax bill and are hopeful HM Revenue and Customs will not demand further payment until the end of the year.

Full story: Scotsman

OTHER GOSSIP

Scotland's most cappted player Chris Paterson is amongst those who have paid tribute to Allan Jacobsen after the prop forward retired from international rugby. (Various)