Scottish Gossip: McNamara sacked in corridor, Warburton wants 16-team top flight

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Jackie McNamara was told in the corridors of McDairmid Park he was no longer Dundee United boss, with the 41-year-old apparently surprised to be told the news (Sunday Mail)

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright and Ross County boss Jim McIntyre are high on the list of targets to replace Jackie McNamara at Dundee United. (Sun)

Rangers manager Mark Warburton has called for a 16-team top flight. He said: "Playing teams that often - apart from the obvious one with the excitement of the Old Firm derby - is overkill sometimes. In my humble opinion, I think [a 16-team top flight] would be viable." (Scotsman)

Jackie McNamara is no longer Dundee United manager

Derek McInnes branded Aberdeen's first half against Inverness as the worst of his Pittodrie reign. He felt the team did not have the "enthusiasm and desire to stop the opposition playing." (Various)

Carlton Cole is impressed after a week of training with Celtic according to manager Ronny Deila. The former England international, Chelsea and West Ham player has returned to London without a deal being struck. (Sun)

Ryan Christie hopes that his 30-yard strike yesterday that secured the win against Aberdeen will catch the eye of his new team Celtic. He is out to impress the club who have the option to recall him from Inverness in January. (Various)

Meanwhile Deila insists club captain Scott Brown was right to get drunk on his infamous night out last season where he was pictured slumped against the wall, because he had not done it for a while. (Various)

Gedion Zelalem is to miss vital championship games for Rangers as he heads off to the USA to help his country qualify for the Rio Olympics next year. The 18-year-old, who is on loan from Arsena,l will miss matches against Falkirk, Livingston and possibly Queen of the South. (Sun)

The Scottish FA have called for more evidence in the Fifa corruption scandal before it decides whether to abandon support for Michel Platini to become the next president. (Scotland on Sunday)

Nani reckons Fenerbahce will be out of the Europa League if they lose to Celtic on Thursday. The Portuguese winger is adamant that after defeat against Molde in Group A opener, losing at Celtic Park is unthinkable. (Sunday Mail - print edition)

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Open champion Paul Lawrie is targetting a Ryder Cup return, at the age of 46. The Aberdonian has played in golf's showpiece twice. (Sun)