Thursday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Walter Smith and Sir David Murray are among a list of potential witnesses to have been contacted by the Crown Office as a case is prepared against Craig Whyte and others relating to the takeover of Rangers. (Daily Record)

Boss Ronny Deila has told Kris Commons, who is out of contract this summer, that at 31 he is too old to be handed a new long term, big money contract, although the Norwegian does not want to lose the player. (Various)

Deila reckons reaching the last 32 of the Europa League will allow him to sign four new players in the January transfer window. (Daily Mail)

Celtic captain Scott Brown believes Thursday night's Europa League opponents Salzburg press sides even better than Barcelona do. (Various)

Prince Buaben has been one of Hearts' star performers in their stunning start to the season

Salzburg dangerman Jonathan Soriano is looking forward to the game as he says the Austrians can play without pressure in Glasgow because they have already qualified for the knockout phase. (Scottish Sun)

Dinamo Zagreb manager Zoran Mamic has pleaded with Salzburg to see off Celtic and give his side a chance of qualifying from Group D. (Daily Record)

Deila has revealed he is keen to show his passion on the touchline to help connect with the Celtic fans. (Scottish Sun)

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has urged the club to splash the cash to sign up Commons and on-loan striker John Guidetti. (Various)

It looks like Scotland's top two referees, Craig Thomson and Willie Collum, will not be available to take charge of the League Cup semi-final between Celtic and Rangers in the new year. (Scottish Sun)

Hearts midfielder Prince Buaben is ready to disappoint a list of potential suitors by signing a new deal with the Tynecastle club. (Various)

Former Rangers winger Neil McCann is convinced the Ibrox men can claw back Hearts' nine point lead and win the Championship title. (Scottish Sun)

And Rangers manager Ally McCoist also believes the title race is far from over. (Star)

Dinamo Zagreb manager Zoran Mamic hopes Salzburg will lend his side a hand by beating Celtic

Defender Bilel Mohsni has been told he has to nail down a place in the Rangers line-up to be included in Tunisia's African Cup of Nations squad. (Scottish Sun)

Gary Mackay-Steven says the pain of losing the Scottish Cup Final to St Johnstone last season is driving Dundee United's bid for glory this term. (Various)

St Johnstone captain Dave Mackay is desperate to lead his side to another Scottish Cup triumph this season. (Daily Record)

Ross County defender Darren Barr faces six months on the sidelines after suffering his second cruciate ligament injury. (Scottish Sun)

Aberdeen hope to agree a deal to build a new training complex at Bridge of Don once plans to wipe out the club's debt get the go-ahead. (Various)

St Mirren youngster Thomas Reilly reckons the struggling Buddies will find their form when injured skipper Steven Thompson returns to the side. (Scottish Sun)

And under-fire Buddies boss Tommy Craig invited fans at the club's AGM to come and watch his players train, and stay for lunch, to see how hard the squad is working to improve their fortunes. (Daily Record)

Glasgow City star Denise O'Sullivan admits she is in no hurry to decide where her future lies, with her contract up this summer. (Scottish Sun)

Scottish youngster Jack Harper scored for Real Madrid's under-19s side as they lost 3-2 to Basel in the Uefa Youth League. (Various)

Thomas Reilly believes Steven Thompson will make a huge difference for struggling St Mirren

Former Hearts striker Sandy Clark admits he would be gutted if the club had to leave Tynecastle, after owner Ann Budge revealed it could be an option. (Daily Express)

OTHER GOSSIP

Charlie Flynn says the fact he was not contacted by Team GB over joining the boxing set-up for the Rio 2016 Olympics helped him decide to turn professional. (Herald)

Boxer Scott Harrison will find out in December if he will be allowed to fight again, as the British Boxing Board of Control wait on the outcome of the Scot's extradition hearing over charges in Spain. (Scottish Sun)

Ice hockey side Dundee Stars' player-assistant coach Matt Ryan has quit the game for personal reasons. (Scottish Sun)

Duncan Weir is convinced Glasgow Warriors can enjoy success in the European Champions Cup. (Scottish Sun)

John Higgins says ending his run of first round exits at snooker's UK Championship is a huge boost to his confidence. (Daily Record)