Thursday's Scottish Gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Kilmarnock manager Allan Johnston will hold signing talks with Ismael Bouzid over the next 24 hours after the former Hearts defender impressed on trial.

Full story: Daily Express

Celtic Park could host the Ramsdens Cup final should Rangers progress beyond the semi-finals, which is drawn later on Thursday.

Full story: The Scotsman

Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes his side can still repeat their Champions League progress of last season and reach the last 16, despite their 2-0 defeat by AC Milan in Italy.

Full story: The Herald

Owen Coyle says Wigan Athletic's Europa League adventure reminds him of playing for Airdrieonians' in the old European Cup-winners' Cup.

Full story: Daily Record (print edition)

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has described as "small-minded" fans who have criticised his players' decision to adopt a Celtic-style huddle before Saturday's win over Partick Thistle at Firhill.

Full story: Aberdeen Evening Express

In-form striker Nadir Ciftci says former Celtic striker Pierre van Hooijdonk has helped him settle at Dundee United by becoming a telephone mentor.

Full story: The Scotsman

Hibernian striker Paul Heffernan has revealed that the Edinburgh club's Glasgow-based players have bought a people carrier for the daily drive along the M8 to training.

Full story: The Scotsman

Dunfermline Athletic administrator Bryan Jackson is hopeful they have the personnel and fan base to survive after prospective owner Pars United warned that they need a cash injection of £150,000 to avoid liquidation this season.

Full story: The Scotsman

Scottish FA performance director Mark Wotte believes the new National Performance Centre, due to open in Edinburgh in 2016, can help make the national team an international force again.

Full story: The Herald

Kevin Kyle, the striker released by Rangers this summer, could win a contract with League One rivals Ayr United after scoring in a reserve game.

Full story: Daily Record (print edition)

East Fife have ended their interest in Yoann Doumbe, the younger brother of former Celtic player Jean-Joel Perrier-Doumbe.

Full story: Daily Record (print edition)

Queen's Park have taken Hibernian midfielder David Gold on loan but have been foiled by Scottish Professional Football League rules in their attempt to sign striker Euan Smith from the same club.

Full story: The Herald (print edition)

OTHER GOSSIP

The International Rugby Board says it will not sanction a two-nation cup competition should the English and French carry out their threat to pull out of the Heineken Cup, which also involves sides from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.

Full story: The Independent

The Heineken Cup organisers are making a final attempt to save the competition by asking the French and England clubs, who are organising a rival tournament from next season, to attend talks with a mediator next month.

Full story: The Guardian (print edition)

Great Britain captain Leon Smith is confident his side can triumph in the United States after they were drawn together in the Davis Cup World Group.

Full story: Daily Express

Former Formula 1 driver Allan McNish believes fellow Scotsman Paul Di Resta has produced enough good performances to show he is a talent despite a season bedevilled by mechanical glitches and collisions.

Full story: The Herald