Wednesday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Celtic, who have expressed an interest in Dundee United's Gary Mackay-Steven, could move to sign the winger this month rather than wait until his contract ends in the summer. (Star)

Former Celtic midfielder Murdo MacLeod insists letting Kris Commons leave the club in January could cost Ronny Deila's team the Premiership title. (Various)

Defender Jason Denayer admits it was tough to return to action for Celtic following the death of his long-time friend Junior Mandala. (Daily Record)

Mark Reynolds has been tipped for a Scotland recall by Aberdeen legend Neale Cooper

Derry City manager Peter Hutton expects Celtic to offer striker Michael Duffy a contract after the 20-year-old spent time on trial with the Scottish champions. (Daily Record)

Aberdeen legend Neale Cooper believes Pittodrie defender Mark Reynolds should be in line for a Scotland recall. (Star)

Stewart Duff, who worked alongside Derek McInnes at St Johnstone, reckons the Aberdeen manager is right to play down his side's title chances. (Scottish Sun)

And Pittodrie winger Jonny Hayes insists the Dons do not need to bring in new faces in January. (Scottish Sun)

Former Rangers manager Walter Smith believes the consortium that includes Douglas Park would bring stability to the club if they take control. (The National)

Dundee United's Sean Dillon insists keeper Radoslaw Cierzniak was quite right to say the Tannadice outfit are hoping to land the treble this season. (Daily Record)

Partick Thistle hope to extend the contract of forward Kallum Higginbotham

Highly-rated Hamilton Accies midfielder Ali Crawford has revealed that being released by Hearts as a youngster for being too small motivated him to improve as a player. (Scottish Sun)

Accies striker Mickael Antoine-Curier has backed interim manager Martin Canning to be a success in the dugout. (Herald)

Partick Thistle are ready to open up contract talks with forward Kallum Higginbotham, whose deal ends this summer. (Star)

St Mirren have lined up a friendly against New York City at Manchester City's football academy. (Various)

St Johnstone new boy George Hunter believes he has joined the perfect club for young players to develop, following the success of Stevie May. (Daily Record)

Former Liverpool assistant manager Alex Miller believes Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson in on his way to the top of the game. (Scottish Sun)

Former Inverness and St Johnstone striker Gregory Tade is a free agent after cancelling his contract with Romanian side CFR Cluj. (Star)

Aston Villa fans have set up an online petition calling for their Scottish manager Paul Lambert to be sacked. (Scottish Sun)

Ali Crawford has been one of Hamilton Accies' best players in what has been a great season for the club

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe, one of England's brightest young managerial talents, has hailed the influence Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes and Joe Jordan have had on his career. (Scottish Sun)

Referee Willie Collum has been overlooked for the next two rounds of Premiership fixtures. The official recently saw two of his red cards rescinded. (Daily Mail)

OTHER GOSSIP

Scotland cricket head coach Grant Bradburn says his side must toughen up if they are to end their losing run in World Cup warm-up fixtures. (Scottish Sun)

Glasgow Warriors' DTH van der Merwe believes a weekend win over Montpellier will leave his side in a great position to reach the European Champions Cup quarter-final. (Herald)