Friday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Aston Villa assistant Roy Keane has expanded on his reasons for rejecting the Celtic manager's post in the summer by claiming that he was "10th choice" for the job, but the former Manchester United midfielder has still left the door open to an offer in the future. (The Herald)

Roy Keane has revealed he joined Celtic near the end of his playing career out of defiance towards then manager Gordon Strachan, who told him he was "not really worried" if he signed or not - and then contemplated quitting the club after one training session because of a hip injury. (The Herald)

Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon will today attend a special training session put on just for him by officials of Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad before deciding whether to agree to accept a tax-free £30,000-a-week job as manager. (The Herald)

Neil Lennon is reportedly set to take over at Bolton Wanderers, the former Celtic manager having turned down offers to manage in the Middle East. (The Sun - subscription required)

Celtic midfielder Charlie Mulgrew is convinced Ronny Deila will come through the difficult start he has endured to his managerial career in Glasgow, the latest being the 1-0 home defeat by Scottish Premiership leaders Hamilton Accies on Sunday. (The Scotsman)

Charlie Mulgrew has been talking about Celtic and Scotland

Celtic winger Aleksandar Tonev, on loan from Aston Villa, insists he is innocent of racial abuse and says a case against him is "now closed" despite still facing a delayed Scottish FA hearing on 30 October. (The Herald)

Celtic midfielder Charlie Mulgrew has admitted he is still fuming over the red card against Germany that led to him being suspended for Scotland's Euro 2016 qualifier against Georgia on Saturday. (The Scotsman)

Miroslav Zelinka will officiate Scotland's Euro 2016 qualifying match against Georgia, two years after he was accused of favouring Celtic in a Champions League qualifier in Glasgow, allowing Charlie Mulgrew's controversial goal to stand in a 2-1 win over Finnish club HJK Helsinki. (The Herald)

Rangers chief executive Graham Wallace is poised to receive an annual bonus package worth £160,000 from the cash-strapped Scottish Championship club. (Daily Mail)

Rangers fans group the Union of Fans has written to the Scottish FA and demanded that it blocks Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley's attempt to remove chief executive Graham Wallace and director Philip Nash. (Daily Record)

The dispute over bonuses at Kilmarnock, who have ended paying them throughout the season in favour of a splitting them at the end of the season, has intensified, with the PFA Scotland players' union insisting the club has imposed the lowest rate in the Scottish Premiership. (The Herald)

Kilmarnock's squad will meet chairman Michael Johnston today in a bid to end their bitter bonus row. (The Sun, print edition)

Former Motherwell defender Paul Quinn is expected to agree a contract with Hibernian this week to become the 10th new player to arrive at Easter Road this season. (The Herald)

OTHER GOSSIP

Willie Limond's European light-welterweight title fight with Michele di Rocco will be delayed until the new year after the Italian was involved in a bruising encounter with Ruben Nieto on Friday to retain his title. (The Herald, print edition)

Scotland and Glasgow Warriors loose forward Ryan Wilson will return to action after a long injury lay-off by playing for Stirling County against Hawick in the Scottish Premiership. (The Scotsman, print edition)