Rumour Mill: Rangers stars banned from Ibrox | Rodgers hails Celtic '˜courage' | Partick Thistle keen on midfielder
Caixinha: I’m still the right man
Embattled Pedro Caixinha last night insisted he remained the man to take Rangers forward, despite his team falling to fourth in the Premiership table after losing a 93rd-minute equaliser at home to Kilmarnock in madcap circumstances. That leveller by former Rangers player Chris Burke, which followed the Ibrox side missing a penalty in added time and having Ryan Jack red-carded for a headbutt on Kirk Broadfoot, was just one more calamity in a week full of them for Caixinha. (The Scotsman)
Celtic appreciation
Brendan Rodgers has called for greater appreciation of his players’ abilities as they close in on equalling Celtic’s own all-time UK undefeated record in domestic matches. Last night’s 3-0 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie opened up a three-point lead over the Dons at the top of the Premiership and stretched Celtic’s current unbeaten run against Scottish opponents to 61 games. (The Scotsman)
Souness: Scottish football would die without Rangers
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Hide AdGraeme Souness has made a stark claim that Scottish football will die if Rangers fail to reach a point where they can challenge Celtic. The former Ibrox boss believes the Scottish game needs a ‘strong Rangers and a strong Celtic’ in order to spark interest outwith Scotland. Speaking to BBC Scotland, Souness - who won the league title three times with Rangers - insisted that interest in Scottish football has diminished as the Ibrox side suffered financial woes. (The Scotsman)
Hearts can’t dwell on derby
Craig Levein has told his players they must learn how to deal with derby defeat and regroup ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Rangers. The Hearts manager admitted none of his injured players will be fit in time for the match at BT Murrayfield, so those involved in the 1-0 defeat at Easter Road will be asked to perform once again. Levein likened losing against Hibs to incurable pain. (Evening News)
Video analysis helped Murray bag winner
Hibs striker Simon Murray has revealed how Hearts’ derby downfall was planned in a dimly-lit room within the club’s East Mains training centre. The video analysis suite has been a relatively new addition to the state-of-the-art facilities available to boss Neil Lennon and his players but you can bet most Hibs fans will today consider Murray’s third minute winner is, in itself, proof of money well spent. (Evening News)
Robinson to appeal
Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson could put himself at risk of missing the Betfred Cup final by appealing his touchline ban. The Northern Irishman, who yesterday led his side to a victory over Dundee, will fight the charge on principal, saying he did nothing wrong in the spat with Rangers head coach Pedro Caixinha which saw both managers sent to the stands in the semi-final. (Daily Record)