Rumour Mill: Rangers | Michael Higdon | John Brown

AS Rangers await the verdict over title stripping, Motherwell have gained a hard fought victory over Celtic and John Brown has said that his side are ready to take on Dundee United after their draw against St Johnstone last night. All this and more in today’s Rumour Mill

Rangers await verdict over title stripping

At noon today, Rangers will discover whether they have been found guilty of breaching SPL rules on payments to players between November and May 2011.

The key SPL rules which Rangers are alleged to have breached relate to payments not declared in a contract of employment with a player and to the full disclosure of those contracts when registering the players with the SPL.

The three-man Independent Commission chaired by Lord Nimmo Smith will publish its written decision at midday, a month after they sat at Hampden for three days to consider the evidence presented to them.

Title-stripping is a possible sanction if Rangers are found guilty.

Motherwell gain hard fought victory over Celtic

Michael Higdon was Motherwell’s hero last night after scoring a winning 73rd minute goal against Celtic.

Higdon’s 19th goal of the season came after Humphrey bagged a 31st-minute opener, ending a run of eight successive defeats to Neil Lennon’s men.

The 2-1 defeat earned Motherwell a precious win in the congested battle for runners-up spot.

Though the result will not prove costly to Celtic in the final analysis of a championship race which remains a formality, they will now have to wait a little longer than anticipated to cross the finishing line this season.

Scott Robinson signs new contract with Hearts

Scott Robinson has signed a new two-year contract with Hearts. The deal, which will run until summer 2015, is a remarkable turnaround for Robinson, who looked like he could be on his way out of Hearts after refusing to take his place on the bench for an SPL encounter against Aberdeen in December.

Billy King has also signed a two-year deal, whilst 19 year old Brad McKay has signed up for one-year after impressing during a loan spell at Stenhousemuir this season.

John Brown ready to take on United

After a 2-2 draw against St Johnstone last night, John Brown has said he is ready for his team to take on their city rivals, Dundee United.

The newly instated Dundee manager said: “We’re ready for anything - we’re not frightened anymore.

“United are a good team but this result gives us a good platform.”

Despite a mixed reception to his appointment as manager, the clash against St Johnstone proved to bolster support for Brown, who received a round of applause before kick-off.

Dunfermline shareholder Gavin Masterson to meet with supporters

Gavin Masterson, a Dunfermline majority shareholder, has agreed to meet with supporters who are urging him to relinquish control of the club.

The Pars Community are looking to turn Dunfermline into a fan-owned club.

The two sides will now officially meet to discuss the club’s financial situation.