Football Talk: Celtic content, Fletcher returns, referee flees explosion

Kris Commons' attempts to convince Craig Levein to give him a Scotland call-up go too far.SNS Group

Thursday's headlines are dominated by Celtic's Champions League draw with Benfica at Parkhead.

The hosts are at pains to point out the positives from the result, while the visitors left gutted they didn't snatch all three points.

Elsewhere in the world, there's headlines from across the Scottish game, an analysis of PSG's sneaky €100m shirt deal and the Asian Champions League gets off with a bang. Literally.

TOP STORIES

Scott Brown sees Benfica result as a 'point gained' for Celtic

Captain content despite the SPL champions being rarely troubled in the Champions League tie.

Neil Lennon satisfied with committed Celtic performance against Benfica

The Celtic manager says he will take the positives from a point earned against the Portuguese side.

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus: 'We deserved to leave with all three points'

The Portuguese side drew 0-0 on their visit to face Celtic in the Champions League.

Hearts face possible signing ban as SPL board meets on wage delay

The Gorgie club failed to pay the salaries of a 'small number' of their first team squad.

Darren Fletcher tipped to return to his best after making United comeback

Manchester United boss expects Scotland captain to return to form after facing Galatasaray.

Danny Grainger backs 'tight-knit' Hearts squad to beat tough spell

Defender tells team-mates to face Dundee United 'full of confidence' despite poor run of form.

Motherwell to offer boss Stuart McCall a new deal

The manager's contract at Fir Park expires in the summer. (Daily Express)

Darren Mackie poised for America switch

The former Aberdeen striker could join up with former Dons player David Robertson at USL Pro League side Phoenix FC. (Press and Journal)

I had to stay indoors, says Rocco Quinn

The Ross County midfielder can't believe his side's turnaround from losing 5-1 to his home town side Hamilton Accies to going 40 games unbeaten, (Press and Journal)

Terry Butcher: No reason for Inverness to fear Hibs

The manager reckons his team can stun high-flying Hibs on Saturday to finally net their first SPL win of the season. (North Star)

McNally: Misfiring Gers are having a huge culture shock

Montrose defender Stephen McNally believes the rough and tumble of Division Three has caught Rangers’ stars cold. (Scottish Sun)

Hot Tade: Saints not fazed buy Staggies long unbeaten run

Gregory Tade insists St Johnstone can follow up their stunning Celtic win by ending Ross County’s 40-game run. (Scottish Sun)

'Fearless' Ryan Fraser won't let hatchetmen affect his game, says Aberdeen's Joe Shaughnessy

The Aberdeen kid has been on the receiving end of some tough tackling since he was let loose on the SPL but team-mates reckon he'll cope. (Daily Record)

Ladies boss: We have an awful lot of ground to make up

Coach Anna Signeul admits Scotland still have a massive gulf to bridge after their 5-0 France thrashing at Tynecastle. (Scottish Sun)

MUST READ

UEFA Financial Fair Play, PSG and the Qatar Bank

Daniel Geey looks at how the French club are trying to circumvent UEFA's rules through their shirt sponsorship.

MUST WATCH

The Asian Champions League gets off with a bang as Sepahan's Adel Kolahkaj has a lucky escape after unknowingly picking up a firecracker. Since everyone's safe and well, we have to say the reaction of the officials is sensational.

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