Tuesday's Scottish Gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Celtic manager Neil Lennon launches a broadside at those suggesting the SPL title triumph was easy in the absence of old rivals Rangers. (Various)

Striker Georgios Samaras says Celtic would have wrapped up the championship weeks ago had it not been for the club's exertions in Europe. (Daily Record)

First Division clubs will this week seek crisis talks with the SPL and SFA to determine whether league reconstruction plans can be salvaged. (Various)

Manager Gordon Strachan backs James McFadden for a Scotland return - citing his own stop-start international career. (Various)

Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara has not given up hope of keeping striker Johnny Russell. (Various)

But the 23-year-old is keen on a move to Italy after the Tannadice club rejected a third bid from Serie A outfit Catania. (Sun)

Motherwell boss Stuart McCall dismisses links to the Sheffield United post. (Various)

Celtic defender Thomas Rogne is disappointed at his lack of first-team involvement this season and is in no rush to sign the new contract he has been offered. (Various)

Rangers are hot on the trail of Queen of the South striker Nicky Clark. The 21-year-old has scored 35 goals this season. (Daily Mail)

Dorin Goian says a return to Steaua Bucharest does not interest him and that he will be back at Rangers next season after a loan spell in Italy. (Various)

And the Ibrox club have commissioned London Law firm Pinsent Masons to investigate alleged links between departing chief executive Charles Green and former owner Craig Whyte. (Daily Express)

Livingston hope to sign Forfar midfielder Danny Denholm. (Daily Express)

OTHER SPORTS

Newcastle Falcons have signed up Scottish trio Scott Lawson, Phil Godman and Fraser McKenzie. (Various)

Australian actor Ryan Kwanten will play Scottish boxer Ken Buchanan in the film Hands of Stone, which charts the career of the great Roberto Duran. (Scotsman)