Rumour Mill: Hibs signings | Celtic

All smiles: Danny Haynes and Duncan Watmore are paraded by Hibernian. Picture: Neil Hanna

ALL THE JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW SIGNINGS IN FULL>>

Chance to work with Butcher had me hooked - Haynes

HIBERNIAN’S new striker Danny Haynes has revealed that the chance to work with Terry Butcher was what convinced him to join the former England captain’s Easter Road revolution.

And the 26-year-old Haynes is keen to prove a point to Notts County boss Shaun Derry after being frozen out at Meadow Lane.

He said: ““I’ve come here on the basis of the way [Terry] spoke to me.

“It’s an overwhelming feeling that the manager believes I can do a good job for him.

“It will be a step up in class for me. It’s the top league in Scotland and fortunately I’m playing for one of the bigger clubs.

The former Ipswich forward added that his pace is his strong point and he hopes to ‘get a few goals’ as well.

Watmore: This is an ‘awesome opportunity’

FELLOW new boy Duncan Watmore, who signed on loan from Sunderland after a hectic January, revealed that he is currently combining studying for a degree in economics with football. The young hitman made his Black Cats debut against Carlisle in the cup earlier this month but revealed he couldn’t turn down the chance to further his development at Hibernian.

Watmore added: “When I heard about this move, I wasn’t going to turn it down as it could help me in my development.

“It’s a really awesome opportunity. Since I’ve been up here I have been so impressed with everyone who has dealt with me, the facilities, everything.” (The Scotsman)

Meanwhile, third loan signing Daniel Boateng of Arsenal is expected to join up with the Hibernian squad on Monday. And Terry Butcher said he wasn’t ruling out the possibility of making the loan deals permanent if they work out. (Various)

New Hoops star Griffiths has ‘point to prove’

CELTIC finally got their man yesterday evening as Leigh Griffiths completed his move from Wolves for a fee reported to be in the region of £800,000. The striker had scored 13 goals for Wolves but had found himself left on the bench by Molineux gaffer Kenny Jackett.

Griffiths, who scored 28 goals for Hibernian last season, said he was ‘confident’ he could ‘silence the doubters’, adding: “You saw what I did last season for Hibs. “In a team like Celtic, you are always going to get chance. Hopefully they fall at my feet and I can put them away.

“I also want to prove the manager is right for signing me. I want to show everybody why he brought me to the club.” (The Scotsman)

Crystal Palace land Ledley

JOE Ledley completed a move to Crystal Palace late last night for an undisclosed fee, as the Eagles bolstered their squad in a bid to escape the drop zone in the English Premier League. The Welsh midfielder signed a three-and-a-half year deal, revealing he was delighted to finally be working with Tony Pulis.

The former Stoke boss has been a long time admirer of the 27-year-old, and finally got his man late last night. (The Scotsman)

Locke has selection headache ahead of semi

HEARTS boss Gary Locke is dealing with a problem he hasn’t faced in months ahead of the Jambos’ League Cup semi final with Inverness - a selection headache.

Locke added West Ham striker Paul McCallum to the squad following Adam King’s departure, and Ryan Stevenson returns after a two-game ban.

But Hearts have won both matches that Stevenson missed, and Locke is agonising over keeping faith in his young guns who saw off St Mirren and Ross County, or bringing Stevenson’s experience back into the fold.

Locke revealed: “I’ve actually got a selection headache this weekend – and it’s a great problem to have. I’m delighted with that.

“As a manager you want competition for places. And this weekend we’ve got that for the very first time.” (Daily Record)

McCoist glad Wallace is still at Ibrox

RANGERS boss Ally McCoist has paid tribute to defender Lee Wallace for shunning the chance to go down south and instead remaining in Scotland.

Wallace had been targeted by Nottingham Forest, and Rangers had fended off two bids from the Championship side.

McCoist said: “It’s a big plus for the club and the supporters that Lee’s staying with us. He’s pledged his future to Rangers, and the fans will relate to what he’s done and appreciate him all the more.”

McCoist defended the decision to reject a six-figure sum for the former Hearts full back, adding: “People might think we’re crazy but it would’ve cost £2 million to replace a player like Lee.” (Daily Record)

IN BRIEF

• ROWAN Vine joined Morton late last night as Hibs agreed to cancel his contract by mutual consent. Defender Tim Clancy was also released by the Easter Road side.

• ON-LOAN Celtic striker Tony Watt scored his fifth goal in four games for Lierse last night as they recorded an impressive 2-0 victory over Belgian giants Anderlecht.

• A TAXI driver dressed up as St Mirren mascot the Paisley Panda in a bid to shame goalie Chris Dilo into coughing up £3000 for what the cabbie described as fares owed from the ‘keeper’s time at Blackburn Rovers.

• DEREK McInnes is hoping that Aberdeen can finally break a horrendous run of semi-final defeats, and losses at Tynecastle when they take on St Johnstone in the capital today. The Dons are seeking to end a run of five semi-final defeats and haven’t won a match at Tynecastle for over four years.

Rumour Mill: Hibs signings | Celtic | Hearts