‘Leaked’ Celtic team
A ‘leaked’ Celtic team suggests Neil Lennon is ready to give Stephen Welsh just his second competitive appearance against Rangers today. The centre-back is said to be among a back three with Christopher Jullien staying on the sidelines. Up front Patryk Klimala is being slated to start, though there are conflicting reports as to whether he’ll be joined up top by Mohamed Elyounoussi or Albian Ajeti. (Daily Record)
‘Nonsense’ to say Griffiths is back
Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd says it’s ‘nonsense’ to suggest Leigh Griffiths is ‘back’ at Celtic after the striker netted in his last appearance at McDiarmid Park. The ex-Rangers forward reckons Neil Lennon will turn to Patryk Klimala instead with Griffiths’ fitness still lacking. (Scottish Sun)
Rangers won’t recover
Chris Sutton believe a defeat for Rangers today will strike such a psychological blow that Steven Gerrard’s men won’t recover from it this season, allowing Celtic to march to ten-in-a-row. (Daily Record)
Gerrard backs Sturgeon call
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has backed Nicola Sturgeon’s calls for Saturday’s Old Firm clash to be broadcast free of charge. (The Scotsman)
Lennon happy with underdogs tag
Neil Lennon says he has no concerns about his Celtic side being presented as underdogs for the first derby of the season because the Parkhead men have confounded such predictions in the recent past. (The Scotsman)
Neilson delighted
Robbie Neilson was delighted to set down an opening-day marker in the Scottish Championship title race after he watched his Hearts team dismantle Dundee 6-2 at Tynecastle. (Evening News)
Hearts mock Dundee on Twitter
Hearts mocked Dundee on Twitter after Friday night’s 6-2 win at Tynecastle. Putting two photos back-to-back with captions 'How it started' and ‘How it’s going’, they posted a screenshot of the headline: “Dundee set for SPFL vote u-turn which will likely consign Hearts to relegation with reports of being offered ‘lucrative friendlies.” It was accompanied by a picture of the league table. The league table has Hearts top and Dundee bottom. (Evening News)
Hanlon eyes more Scotland calls
Paul Hanlon has finally got his foot in the door and, like several of his Hibs colleagues, he is hoping that performances over the next few weeks will see him safely over the threshold for upcoming Scotland squads. (Evening News)