Rumour Mill: Scott Allan | Nadir Ciftci

Scott Allan is going nowhere, according to Alan Stubbs. Picture: John Devlin

No Allan bids, insists Stubbs

HIBERNIAN manager Alan Stubbs has indicated he wants to add three more players to his squad ahead of the new season, but insists talisman Scott Allan is going nowhere - and neither are any other players.

Allan, of course, has been at the centre of intense speculation linking him with a move to one of either Celtic or Rangers, while Ipswich Town have also been credited with an interest.

But Hibs are adamant there have been no approaches other than Dundee United’s bid – rejected out of hand – in the January transfer window to tempt their former player back to Tannadice in an attempt to placate their own fans having lost both Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong to the Hoops. (Evening News)

Ciftci vows to be magnificent 7

NADIR CIFTCI has vowed to live up to expectations associated with Celtic’s famous No 7 shirt, following his £1.5m move from Dundee United, and is fully aware of what that digit means to the fans of his new employers.

“It’s a famous number here and one I’ve worn before,” he said. “I know what it means at this club and it’s my favourite number. I wouldn’t say it’s my lucky number, but it’s a number I like.

“I’m delighted to have it. It’s a big number to live up to, because I know the players who have worn it before me. It’s an honour for me to play with that number, just as it was an honour for them to wear it.” (The Scotsman)

Aberdeen squeeze past Shkendija

NIALL McGinn’s goal in Skopje last week proved to be the decisive moment in a tough tie as Aberdeen moved into the second qualifying round of the Europa League courtesy of that away goal.

Derek McInnes warned in the build up to the second leg that FK Shkendija were difficult opponents and that proved to be an accurate assessment of the side from Macedonia.

They were impressive in possession but lacked the cutting edge to trouble a hard working Dons defence until a tense last few minutes when it took a fabulous save from Danny Ward to confirm their progress. (Various)

Saints crash out despite home win

SCOTTISH football’s standing took another battering in Perth this evening as St Johnstone were eliminated from the Europa League by a team ranked 446th in European football.

Tommy Wright had complained pre-match that Scotland’s European representatives don’t get enough help but in truth Saints let themselves down badly.

They were level on aggregate when Michael O’Halloran scored but lost a terrible goal 17 minute from time which effectively killed the tie.

Brad McKay managed to win the game late on but Saints were out on away goals and it was all off their own making. (The Scotsman)

News in brief

• John Guidetti looks set to join Spanish outfit Celta Vigo

• Ex-Rangers midfielder Kyle Hutton could jon St Johnstone as a replacement for the injured Murray Davidson

• Robbie Neilson has hinted that he could bring in more players ahead of the start of the new season

Rumour Mill: Scott Allan | Nadir Ciftci | Europa League