Rumour Mill: Gary Locke | Kevin Kyle | Gary Hooper

Hearts appoint Gary Locke as manager, Kevin Kyle leaves Rangers and Ian Black backed over red card.

Gary Locke appointed Hearts manager

Gary Locke last night confessed his appointment as manager of Hearts had come “as bit of a surprise” as he immediately set his sights on lifting the Scottish Communities League Cup in his first match in permanent charge of his boyhood team.

Rangers and Kevin Kyle part company

Rangers manager Ally McCoist has confirmed that Kevin Kyle has left the Ibrox club by mutual consent.

The 31-year-old has been plagued by injuries since he joined the Division 3 side in August. (Various)

Neil Lennon confident on Hooper

Celtic manager Neil Lennon says that it is not a foregone conclusion that Gary Hooper will leave in the summer adding that he has held talks with his new agent and that contract discussions would take place. (Sunday Post)

McCoist backs Black after red card

Ally McCoist says Ian Black does not need to change his game after picking up his second red card of the season during the Ibrox side’s 1 - 0 win over Elgin.

Black says he has been at the receiving end of harsh treatment from other Division 3 players this season. (Sun)

Celtic odds-on for ten-in-a-row

Bookies are backing Celtic to set a world-record ten titles in a row with Rangers out of contention for the SPL title until at least season 2015-16. Odds currently stand at 4/7 on. (Sunday Post)

Jefferies positive Dunfermline can survive

Dunfermline manager Jim Jefferies said that he is confident that the Pars Steering Group can attract new investors following a meeting with panel members/ (Sunday Post)

Forrest out of Scotland qualifiers

Celtic winger James Forrest will miss Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Serbia after being withdrawn from the squad due to a back injury.

The 21-year-old has been troubled by a hamstring injury this season but has now been struck by a back problem. (Express)