Rumour Mill: Paul Hartley | Neil Lennon

Paul Hartley is set to be the new Dundee manager. Picture: SNS

Paul Hartley to be confirmed as Dundee boss

Alloa boss Paul Hartley is expected to be appointed manager of the Dens Park side today following the departure of John Brown.

The former Hearts and Celtic midfielder is close to a deal and is expected to be unveiled this afternoon. (Sun)

Skacel hits out at SPFL

Rudi Skacel has hit out at the SPFL for blocking his return to Hearts after they refused to sanction his player registration under the one-in-one-out rule currently imposed on the administration-hit club.

Skacel had hoped to be allowed to join the Tynecastle club following the departure of keeper Alan Combe however the move was knocked back by an SPFL committee.

He said: “It looks to me like age discrimination or maybe a problem with my name.”

Lennon backing after abuse

Owen Coyle branded the treatment given to Celtic manager Neil Lennon at Tynecastle “disgraceful” but says he believes that the prospect of furthering Celtic in european competition will be enough to keep him at Parkhead.

Lennon left the ground early after having coins and drink thrown at him as he watched Aberdeen’s League Cup semi final against St Johnstone. (Scotsman)

• Celtic defender Virgil Van Dijk says he is “very positive” that his manager will remain at the club

• The League Cup final between Aberdeen and Inverness is likely to be held at Parkhead with an announcement expected this morning

Owen Coyle writes off Rangers’ Scottish Cup chances

Former Wigan manager Owen Coyle says Rangers are not in his top 5 teams he fancies to lift the trophy in May despite being second joint favourites with Dundee United. Ally McCoist’s side take on Dunfermline on Friday night hoping to win a quarter final place. (Record)

• Former Celtic striker Joe Miller says Scottish football needs a Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers to provide a much-need boost

SPFL ON YOUTUBE

• Inverness CT made it to the final of the Scottish League Cup for the first time after seeing off Hearts after extra time and penalties in an incredible cup tie at Easter Road.

• Aberdeen secured their place in the 2014 Scottish League Cup Final with a 4-0 victory over St Johnstone at a sold-out Tynecastle. Goals from Jonny Hayes (x2), Peter Pawlett and Adam Rooney.

IN BRIEF

• Former Celtic striker Mo Bangura has signed for second division Turkish side Istanbul Buyuksehir

• Paul Lambert is set to sign a new three year deal with Aston Villa after being promised more transfer funds

• Former Aberdeen winger Chris Clark has joined Highland League champions Cove Rangers

Rumour Mill: Paul Hartley | Neil Lennon | Rudi Skacel