Rumour Mill: Andy Halliday joins Rangers | Jason Holt | Celtic

Andy Halliday celebrates after scoring the third goal during the FA Cup Third Round Replay match between Bradford City and Millwall. Picture: Getty

Andy Halliday to sign at Rangers

FREE agent Andy Halliday is set to sign a three-year deal with Rangers.

The 23-year-old reportedly completed his medical yesterday and is poised to become Rangers boss Mark Warburton’s sixth signing of the summer.

Jason Holt in action for former club Hearts. Picture: Ian Georgeson

A former Ibrox youth player, Halliday impressed on a trial with the club after being released from his short term contract with Bradford City, and will join Ranger’s latest signings Rob Kiernan, Danny Wilson, Wes Foderingham and Jordan Thompson next season.

Warburton failed to clinch a bid for Wigan’s James Tavernier but is expected to make an improved offer in the next 48 hours. (The Scottish Sun)

Jason Holt shines on trial at Rangers

Former Hearts youngster Jason Holt put in an impressive performance on a trial at Murray Park which could see him earn a contract at Rangers.

The 22-year-old was released by Championship title holders Hearts following nineteen appearances last season.

As manager Mark Warburton continues his pre-season hunt to add more summer siginings, Holt reportedly impressed with a goal in a closed doors, pre-season friendly between Rangers and Ayr on Thursday evening.

Despite being released by the Tynecastle side, Rangers would reportedly still have to pay Hearts a development fee to Hearts as Holt rose up through the Jambos’ training academy. (Talkingbaws.com)

Charlie Mulgrew ‘a new player’

The return of a fit Charlie Mulgrew feels like having a new player in the team, according to Celtic boss Ronny Deila.

A knee injury forced Mulgrew to miss the latter half of last season with the player spending five months on the bench.

Arriving back at Parkhead in full fitness, Deila has reportedly highlighted Mulgrew as being one of his most influencial players as he sets his sights on steering the club to the group stages of the Champions League. (Evening Times)

Gunnar Neilsen: Celtic will pay for missed penalty

Stjarnan keeper Gunnar Neilsen believes Celtic’s missed penalty will cost them dearly as it gives the Icelandic team a chance to shock the Bhoys on home turf next Wednesday.

Celtic star and regular kicker Leigh Griffiths missed a penalty after a spot-kick argument with Stefan Johansen, a goal which would have seen the home side go a comfortable 3 - 0 up in the first leg of their Champions League second qualifying round against the Icelandic side.

Neilsen also reportedly suggested that the low-grade synthetic playing surface at the 1,400-seat Stjarnan stadium could seriously hamper Celtic captain Scott Brown and his team-mates.

(The Scotsman)

Owain Fon Williams signs for Inverness

Welsh goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams was given a starting spot in Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s upcoming Europa League tie against Astra Giurgiu just hours after signing for the club.

The 28-year-old joins Inverness from English side Tranmere Rovers.

Capped several times for Wales, Williams has been a regular fixture at Prenton Park for the last four years making 180 appearances. (BBC Sport)

Ryan Scully eyes number one shirt

Ryan Scully has reportedly set his sights firmly on the number one jersey at Partick Thistle after returning to Firhill following two spells on loan to Dunfermline.

He faces stiff competition from summer signing Tomas Cerny and keeper coach Paul Gallacher following the departure of Scott Fox to Ross County earlier this summer.

The 22-year-old is hoping to make his mark and impress Partick boss Alan Archibald after his two seasons away. (Evening Times)

Burns left Queen of the South for ‘family security’

Former Queen of the South midfielder Paul Burns has admitted his shock exit from the club was to put his family first.

The 31-year-old left the club this week to become an network engineer at communications firm Openreach.

Burns was plagued with injuries last season but was award a new one-year deal. Fears of future injury reportedly forced him to call time on a career as a full-time footballer. (Daily Record)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes says he is “immensely satisfied and proud” of his players beating Rijeka 3-0 away. (Various)

• Ross County’s new defender Chris Robertson looks set to miss the start of the season after breaking a bone in his hand during training in Hungary. (The Scottish Sun)

• Former Falkirk centre forward Pedro Moutinho has failed to win a deal at Dumbarton but coach the under-20 side. (The Scottish Sun)