Friday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Defender Jason Denayer has revealed he wants to return to Manchester City from Celtic when his loan spell ends at the end of the season. (Herald)

Celtic manager Ronny Deila has urged more investment in youth development in Scottish football as increasing TV revenue streams in England make it more difficult for clubs north of the border to compete. (Times - subscription required)

Sky pundit Charlie Nicholas says Scottish football chiefs turned down a request from broadcasters to re-structure the season and incorporate more games during the summer months when the issue was raised a few years ago.(Daily Express)

Paul Lambert was sacked by Aston Villa on Wednesday

Former Norwich City boss Peter Grant insists Scottish managers can be successful in England after Paul Lambert's sacking at Aston Villa left the Premier League without a Scot in charge of any of its teams. (Scotsman)

And Scotland great Joe Jordan does not expect the lack of Scottish managers in the Premier League to last long.(Daily Record)

Lambert told Aston Villa chairman Randy Lerner to sack him twice this season before he was finally dismissed on Wednesday by telephone.(Telegraph)

Lewis Stevenson has made 250 appearances for Hibs

Hibernian's Lewis Stevenson believes keeping the home crowd unsettled could prove important if they are to win against Rangers at Ibrox on Friday evening.(Scotsman)

Aberdeen's request for extra tickets for next month's match at Celtic Park has been turned down. Earlier this season, Celtic's allocation for a match at Pittodrie was reduced. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Wales captain Sam Warburton regards Sunday's Six Nations match against Scotland as a "must-win". (Scotsman)

Hagrid lookalike? JK Rowling sees a resemblance in Jim Hamilton

Scotland lock Jim Hamilton has revealed author JK Rowling recently compared him to Hagrid in the Harry Potter book series. (Daily Record, print edition)