Friday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Dundee United midfielder Paul Paton says Celtic "manipulate" match officials, following some recent high-profile red cards in matches between the two sides. (Scotsman)

And Paton believes Celtic got his team-mate Ryan McGowan sent off in Wednesday's Scottish Cup quarter-final replay. (Daily Express)

But Celtic boss Ronny Deila has described McGowan's conduct as "dangerous" following his dismissal for a tackle on Celtic's Liam Henderson. (Sun, subscription required)

There were several flashpoints in recent meetings between Celtic and Dundee United

McGowan claims a tackle by Celtic captain Scott Brown on United's Nadir Ciftci was just as bad as his challenge on Henderson. (Daily Record)

Talking about his managerial style, Deila says he will never "frighten" players in an attempt to improve them, insisting such leadership should not be used in football.(Herald)

Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager John Hughes has urged the Scottish FA to remember supporters after the Highland club's Scottish Cup semi-final was arranged for a 12:15 GMT kick-off on Sunday 19 April. (Daily Record)

Gary Locke (third from right) is unbeaten in six games as Kilmarnock manager

Kilmarnock manager Gary Locke is making long-term plans, even though there is no guarantee he will be preserved in the role beyond the end of the season. (Daily Record, print edition)

Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson believes it may be a good thing if the Ibrox club do not get promoted at the end of the season as they may not be ready for Premiership football next season. (Daily Record)

Motherwell full-back Josh Law, who currently stays with brother and Rangers midfielder Nicky Law, has revealed the pair have become sounding boards for one another as their clubs battle for points, with Well battling against relegation from the top flight and Rangers trying to get promoted to that division.(Herald)

Genero Zeefuik joined Hearts in January and has scored eight league goals

Scottish Championship leaders Hearts will have to pay £300,000 if they want to keep Groningen striker Genero Zeefuik, who is currently on loan at Tynecastle. (Daily Record, print edition)

Stoke City and Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam, 29, is a big darts fan and has tweeted from the Premier League Darts taking place at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow.

OTHER GOSSIP

Scotland head coach and former Clermont boss Vern Cotter could be offered a quick return to France with Bordeaux, with Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend next in line for the national team job. (Sun)