The latest news and gossip from around Scottish football.

Christie calls it a day on social

Celtic star Ryan Christie has deleted his Twitter account after fans of his own club slaughtered him over yesterday's red card.

The playmaker was shown a straight red card for a horror challenge on Livi's Scott Robinson.

Some Hoops supporters rounded on their man and criticised him for getting sent off, leading to him deactivating his account.

But others backed him and claimed "real fans" were behind him.

One said: "Can’t believe the stick Ryan Christie is getting, some people have short memories."

Another added: "Any so-called fans abusing Ryan Christie to his Twitter account, go and have a serious f***ing word with yourself!"

Celts response needed

Scott Brown reckons Celtic’s defeat to Livingston could prove the catalyst to a storming run to the Premiership title.

Brown skippered his side to a 2-0 defeat yesterday afternoon - the first time the Hoops have lost to Livi.

But the captain believes his teammates have proven plenty times before that they can bounce back from disappointment.

“We always expect a reaction,” he said. 

“It’s disappointing, especially going into the international break when you have a couple of weeks until your next game.

“But sometimes it’s good for you as well. We’ve had a wake-up call before when we’ve lost the lead during the season and we’ve managed to bounce back.

“This team has that grit and willingness to win games. Today wasn’t our day, we didn’t perform as well. But it’s a long season and we know we can do better.”

Deal Dykes in

Gary Holt is desperate for striker Lyndon Dykes to play for Scotland.

The Livingston front man has been in good form this season and gave Christopher Jullien and Kris Ajer a torrid time yesterday.

Dykes, 24, qualifies for Scotland through grandparents and his boss hopes Steve Clarke picks him soon.

After a beautiful lobbed goal against Celtic, Holt said: “I was championing his case for Australia until this morning when I realised he was eligible for Scotland.

“I haven’t a clue [who he wants to play for]. I haven’t asked him. He’s a big rugby league man. 

“He just wants his chance and I’ve told him if you keep working hard and keep your head down you’ll get your opportunity.

“He’s Australian! He talks Australian. I thought they would come knocking but then I heard today he has Scottish parentage so I’ll be knocking the Australian bit on the head for a wee while. I will certainly be championing [Scotland] now that I know.”

Gers pip Celts ahead of International break

Celtic slipped to second in the Premiership table yesterday after a poor loss to Livi - while rampant Rangers battered Hamilton 5-0.

Steven Gerrard was delighted with his troops.

And he insists they’re better equipped to go top nowadays than they were last season.

He said: “There is a lot of hard work, we still have to improve, we still have to grow. 

“But the answer is yes, we are better, we are stronger than last year. The 11 is stronger, the squad is stronger. 

“We have people coming back from injury so we are in a good place. I just want to win football matches, as many as I can. There is a break now and I focus on what I have to do to beat Hearts.”