Scottish Premiership

EDDIE HOWE is finally set to be named the new Celtic manager, according to reports.The 43-year-old has been linked with the Parkhead vacancy ever since Neil Lennon left in February.
Eddie Howe is set to be in charge of Celtic next seasonCredit: PA
With the title already looking lost to bitter rivals Rangers, assistant manager John Kennedy has stepped up as caretaker boss until the end of the season.
But now talkSPORT claims Howe will soon be confirmed as Celtic’s next boss.
Howe has been out of work since he left his job at Bournemouth following last season’s relegation from the Premier League.
He took charge of the Cherries in two spells over a 12 year stretch, leading them from League One into the top-flight during his 450 games at the helm.
Now his next task will be to transform Celtic’s fortunes and lead them back above new champions Rangers.
Steve Gerrard led the Gers to the title this term to end the Hoops’ dominance and quest for ten-in-a-row.
Howe is now believed to be just putting together his backroom team and is keen to recruit from his former club as they prepare for the Championship play-offs.
However, his former assistant Jason Tindall, who replaced him in the Bournemouth hot-seat but was axed in February, will not be among his staff at Parkhead.
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Earlier today, talkSPORT’s Alex Crook told the White and Jordan show: “I’ve been told from very reliable sources that Eddie Howe is now heading to Celtic for the start of next season and is even starting to assemble his backroom team.
“Some of that backroom team will come from Bournemouth and one of the reasons for the delay is of course Bournemouth are part of the Championship play-offs, looking to get back into the Premier League, and that could hamper Eddie Howe’s chances of taking one or two of his former coaches with him to Glasgow.
“But Eddie Howe will be the new Celtic manager in time for the start of next season.”
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CHARLIE NICHOLAS has blasted Scottish giants Rangers and Celtic for banning Andy Walker from their stadiums.Last week, SunSport exclusively revealed the Old Firm pair told the Sky Sports pundit to stay away from Ibrox and Parkheadover comments made on air.
Sky Sports commentator Andy Walker has been told to stay away from Rangers and CelticCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
Charlie Nicholas was sacked by Sky Sports last year and has hit out at the Scottish clubs for banning WalkerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Celtic are believed to still be furious over Walker’s outspoken criticism of their controversial trip to Dubai in January for a winter training camp.
Sky Sports – who pay £25million a year for their Scottish Premiership coverage – have yet to break their silence on Walker’s ban.
Nicholas – who was sacked as a Soccer Saturday pundit last summer – accused the broadcasters of showing a lack of support.
Former Celtic striker Walker – who is believed to be seeking legal advice – has been a regular commentator for the broadcasting giants since 2009.
Nicholas also warned the bitter feud could have ramifications on future TV deals.
Writing in the Daily Express, Nicholas roared: “It is an absolute disgrace how Andy Walker has been left exposed by Celtic and Rangers.
“I haven’t spoken to my old friend in a wee while, since I left Sky.
“The Old Firm duo have banned Andy from their grounds. They are two of the least helpful clubs in the world.
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“They are happy to take the money from the television companies yet they want to tell pundits what they should and shouldn’t be saying.
“It’s a shambles the way Andy has been treated.
“Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher are hard-hitting about Manchester United and Liverpool in their roles as pundits, but do they get banned by their old clubs?
“No, they don’t. I am as critical of Arsenal as Celtic.
“Arsenal don’t like it but they still treat me the same way at the club as the day I signed.
“What concerns me is the lack of support that Sky has shown Andy.
“They should be saying to Rangers and Celtic, ‘If you don’t let him into your grounds then we won’t be paying you for those games’.
“Celtic couldn’t wait to jump on the bandwagon because of Andy’s criticism after they heard Rangers had banned him.
“We had Neil Lennon on Soccer Saturday the other day – the same man who demanded an apology from Sky for Andy’s comments.
“Neil Doncaster and the SPFL must step in to sort this out because, if they don’t, they could end up jeopardising any future television deals.”
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SHANE DUFFY’S calamitous Celtic career is finally over.SunSport understands the Republic of Ireland star has been sent back to Brighton after an injury ruled him out of the final two Scottish Premiership games against St Johnstoneand Hibernian.
Celtic flop Shane Duffy has returned to BrightonCredit: PA
Shane Duffy has cost Celtic around £3m in wages and feesCredit: PA
Defender Duffy cost a £2million loan fee and wages of £30,000-plus a week – totaling around £3m – and yet his time at Parkhead was an unmitigated disaster.
The 29-year-old arrived from Brighton last September on a season-long loan having been out of the picture at the Amex Stadium.
And Duffy started off brilliantly, scoring in his first two games and helping deliver five clean sheets from seven straight victories.
But his Celts spell started to unravel following a desperate display in a 2-0 home defeat to Rangers in October and it quickly got worse to the point where he became a ridiculed figure.
Duffy was constantly exposed at home and in Europe, the worst being during the 4-1 humiliating defeat to Sparta Prague at Parkhead in the Europa League.
The international skipper left Celtic’s hugely controversial Dubai trip in January after just a few days and after that he struggled to revive his fortunes for the fallen nine-in-a-row champions.
The defender proved an expensive catastrophe at ParkheadCredit: PA
Duffy was dire in a draw at Livingston and home defeat to St Mirren.
His last appearance was back in February on Valentine’s Day, a 2-1 victory over St Johnstone.
But there was never a love affair with the supporters, even though when he signed they were largely delighted he’d been brought to the club by Neil Lennon.

Duffy – who has42 caps for the Republic – managed just 22 starts within 27 appearances, scoring three goals.
He has two years left of his Brighton deal.
Brighton are mulling over a move for West Brom loan star Mbaye Diagne.
Senegal striker Diagne, 29, has impressed at the Hawthorns since arriving temporarily from Galatasaray in January, hitting three Premier League goals.

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BRENTFORD have joined the race to land Hibs striker Kevin Nisbet.SunSport understands the English Championship side have been keeping tabs on the Scotland international after a stunning first season in the Premiership.
Hibs star Kevin Nisbet isn’t short of admirers down southCredit: The Sun
Nisbet has netted 17 goals, including three in his last four games, to help Jack Ross’ side to third in the table.
The 24-year-old missed last Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to St Johnstone through injury but is available for this weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final with Dundee United at Hampden.
Birmingham City saw a £3million bid rejected for Nisbet in the January transfer window as the Hibees hierarchy were desperate to hold on to their goal machine.
Now their English Championship rivals could be ready to swoop as they look to start making plans for next season.
Hibs will demand big money for the Scotland starCredit: The Sun
Their own star striker Ivan Toney – who had talks with Celtic last summer – is being tracked by several English Premier League sides, including West Ham who are keen to secure his signature.
The 25-year-old only joined the Bees last summer in a £5m switch, but has netted 30 goals to help Thomas Franke’s side secure their place in the promotion play-offs and is now valued at around £35m.
Brentford have a reputation for bringing in younger players and developing them before selling them on for big profit.
Ivan Toney is valued at £35millionCredit: PA
Ollie Watkins joined the club from Exeter City in 2017 for around £2m before being sold to Aston Villa for £28m last summer. 
With Toney looking set for a summer exit, the Bees are looking at potential replacements with Nisbet high on their list.
The striker’s stunning form for the Easter Road side saw him earn a first international call-up by Scotland boss Steve Clarke for March’s World Cup qualifiers.

DUFF LUCK Celtic send Shane Duffy back to Brighton as failed move that cost club £3m is cut short

With Nisbet also expected to be included in the 26-man squad for this summer’s European Championship finals.
The Easter Road side won’t sell the player – who they paid Dunfermline £300,000 last July – on the cheap.
Defenders Ryan Porteous and Josh Doig are also attracting interest from English sides.
With Hibs owner Ron Gordon confirming last month that ‘one or two’ of their prized assets could be sold this summer.

He said: “I think that maybe one, maybe two could have the opportunity to move this summer.
“I don’t think we should undervalue our players, I won’t consider us just as a selling club.”
Boss Ross is keen to hold onto Nisbet but knows a big money bid could see the striker move on this summer.

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