Thursday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Celtic manager Ronny Deila said of tonight's Europa League opponents Astra "if they played in the Scottish league, they could win, if we didn't of course". (Herald)

And Astra player Syam Ben Youssef says he wants to beat Celtic as a favour to Rangers defender Bilel Mohsni, his Tunisia team-mate. (Sun)

On-loan defender Jason Denayer is focused on a return to Manchester City next season, knocking back the prospect of a permanent move to Celtic. (Daily Express)

Dundee United's Jordan Moore is targeting a return next season after his successful operation to remove skin cancer, having rushed his bid to regain full fitness. (Various)

Hamilton have agreed to pay for supporters' buses to every away cup tie this season and next. (Various)

Falkirk season ticket holders can take a friend for free to Saturday's visit of Cowdenbeath because their last game ended goalless. (Various)

Scott Allan describes Hibs team-mate Jason Cummings as "a cross between David Goodwillie and Johnny Russell" and reckons the teenager can go far. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

New European kilo champion Callum Skinner has his eye on an Olympic place in the team sprint. (Daily Mail)

Attendances were up by 14%, making this year's flat season the most successful ever at Musselburgh Racecourse. (Scotsman)