Celtic gossip: O'Neill backs McCowan as fixture switch looms after Rangers reach final
Martin O'Neill says Luke McCowan can still have a Celtic future, pundits question a semi-final red-card decision, and Celtic face a fixture switch after Rangers beat Aberdeen.
Martin O'Neill has insisted that Luke McCowan can still have a future at Celtic despite the midfielder being frozen out, according to a report in the Scottish Sun. The comment places the spotlight on McCowan's situation as questions continue over his lack of involvement.
Rangers reached next month's Premier Sports Cup final by beating Aberdeen, with Ryan Naderi scoring the only goal of the semi-final. The match-winner told Rangers supporters the team intend to return to the final and win it, according to the Daily Record.
The semi-final also generated controversy, with pundits and former referees joining forces to criticise the decision not to send off Rangers defender James Penrice during the game against Aberdeen, the Daily Record reports.
Rangers' progress has consequences for Celtic, who will be forced into a league fixture switch because of the final, according to the Scottish Sun. The change reflects the knock-on effect of the cup schedule on the league calendar.
Elsewhere, Haissem Hassan is described as determined to address doubts about his end product by accumulating goals and assists in a Celtic shirt, the Daily Record reports. At Kilmarnock, St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari praised a heroic point after his 10-man team came from behind twice to draw 2-2 at Rugby Park, The Courier reports.
Image: SNS / BBC Sport
