Rumour Mill: Rangers to regain asset control | Kenny Miller looks to cut down Hibs

Rangers yesterday announced the repayment of five million pounds to Mike Ashley's company Sports Direct. Picture: John Devlin

Rangers ‘repay £5m loan to Mike Ashley’

Rangers have repaid the £5 million loan given to them by Mike Ashley’s retail firm Sports Direct, the club have announced.

During a recent legal battle between Sports Direct and Rangers lawyers for the Glasgow club stated that Ashley had been repaid.

The next day a counter-claim came in from Sports Direct’s law team, who said the loan repayment money had not yet arrived.

A Rangers statement released on Christmas Eve read: “We are pleased to announce that payment has today been sent to Sportsdirect.com Retail Limited of the full amount of the loan facilities provided by that company to The Rangers Football Club Limited.” (The Scotsman)

Robbie Neilson admires under pressure Celtic boss

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson has admiration for the way Ronny Deila copes with the pressure of managing Celtic.

The Norwegian boss came under fire after the Hoops’ ignominious exit from the Europa League where they finished bottom of their section.

Deila came in for more criticism following the 2-1 defeat by Motherwell at Parkhead last weekend, although Celtic remain one point above Aberdeen at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership table with a game in hand over the Dons and with the domestic treble still a realistic prospect. (The Scotsman)

Kenny Miller wants to send Hibernian into tailspin

Kenny Miller hopes Rangers can send Hibernian into the same kind of tailspin they have suffered since the Leith men shot down their unbeaten start to the Ladbrokes Championship campaign.

The Ibrox men took a perfect record of 11 league wins out of 11 into November’s Easter Road clash.

But they were stung by a 2-1 defeat in the capital and the crisis of confidence sparked by that loss has seen them spill another 10 points in the two months that have followed. (The Scotsman)

Hamilton Accies play it cool despite poor form

Hamilton midfielder Grant Gillespie has learnt from last season that there is no need to panic as Accies bid to regain their form.

Hamilton go into their Boxing Day clash with Kilmarnock on the back of one victory in nine matches since they triumphed at Rugby Park in September, their latest result a 4-0 defeat at Dundee.

But they have previously shown the ability to bounce back, after going 13 games without a win following the departure of Alex Neil to Norwich in January. (Various)

Partick Thistle ‘can keep run going despite tough run’

Partick Thistle are facing a tough festive season fixture list but midfielder Steven Lawless is confident the Jags can keep their winning run going.

The Jags have won their last four games for the first time in the top flight since 1977 and a fifth at home to St Johnstone on Saturday would match a similar run in 1972.

The Maryhill men have moved up to seventh place in the Ladbrokes Premiership but after the visit of third-placed Saints, whom they beat 2-1 at McDiarmid Park in October, Alan Archibald’s side visit second-placed Aberdeen and league leaders Celtic.

However, the Thsitle midfielder remains confident of continuing their form. (Various)

Top 50 Scottish football players in 2015 (50-41)

Part one in our series counting down the best players from the SPFL in 2015.

50. Liam Fontaine - Before the Scott Allan circus started, Hibs’ biggest summer worry was the possibility Liam Fontaine could walk away after only one excellent campaign in a green-and-white shirt... (The Scotsman)

Where each Premiership club should strengthen in January

Every Scottish club should look to use the January transfer window to improve at least one position. Craig Fowler picks one for each top flight side. (The Scotsman)