Gerrard to hold crisis talks with key Rangers man, Lennon speaks on rarely-seen Celtic man, Hearts and Hibs latest - Scottish Premiership Rumour Mill

James Tavernier has been backed by Rangers boss Steven Gerrard | Other 3rd Party

Gerrard backs Tavernier

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has suggested that he and his players need greater “protection” from inside the Ibrox club. The Ibrox manager believes there is a need for greater filtering of the club’s football personnel, in what might be seen as a curious criticism of Rangers’ in-house media. To that end, he intimated Tavernier’s programme notes ahead of the 1-0 defeat by Hamilton should not have seen the light of day. (The Scotsman)

Griffiths in coronavirus plea

Leigh Griffiths has called on Celtic to wrap up the title as soon as possible to minimise the impact the spread of coronavirus could have on the run-in to the season. (The Scotsman)

Stendel on relegation fight

Daniel Stendel hopes to turn Hearts' two-way relegation fight with Hamilton into a wider battle for survival. The German expects the battle at the bottom to go down to the wire - but ]does not want to spend the last 10 games of the season worrying only about how Brian Rice's side are getting on. (The Scotsman)

Ross on European ‘carrot’

Hibs boss Jack Ross hopes dangling a European carrot in front of his players will help them get back on track after their derby disappointment. (The Scotsman)

Avdijaj to get ‘Well chance?

Hearts manager Daniel Stendel admits winger Donis Avdijaj has taken longer than expected to adapt to Scottish football, but he could feature against Motherwell today. (Evening News)

Lennon drops Arzani hint

Neil Lennon has spoken about winger Daniel Arzani, hinting that the on-loan Manchester City youngster could feature for the Hoops first team before the season is out. He said: “He’s played a couple of development games and there’s another one next week. If he comes through that okay he may start to feature before the end of the season.” (Various)

Dons closing in on Hoban deal

Aberdeen are set to beat Leyton Orient to the signature of former Dons loan defender Tommie Hoban – if the Irishman can prove his fitness. (Evening Express)