The Rumour Mill: Tuesday’s football news and gossip

Edinburgh Derby aftermath: Hearts get job done at Easter Road

Paulo Sergio has praised his players for their professionalism in the face of the ongoing Tynecastle pay dispute after his side ran out 3 - 1 winners over Hibs yesterday

Hearts players still do not know when they will be paid their December salaries and their complaint against the club is due to be heard tomorrow.

Newly appointed Hibs boss Pat Fenlon has now suffered four defeats in five games and said after the match that he will looking to stop the rot with a clear out in January.

Houston calls for referee talks

Dundee United manager Peter Houston has demanded talks with referee chief John Fleming after branding Steven McLean and linesman Alan Mulvanny incompetent. (Express)

Lafferty out for a month

Rangers forward Kyle Lafferty is expected to be out for a month after suffering a hamstring injury during yesterday’s 3 - 0 victory over Motherwell over Ibrox.

Kirk Broadfoot was also sidelined yesterday with a knock. (Scotsman)

Izaguirre makes comeback from injury

Celtic defender Emilio Izaguirre made a substitute appearance in his side’s 3 - 0 defeat of St Mirren yesterday in his first appearance for the Parkhead club since breaking his ankle back in August. (Scotsman)

McCoist refuses to be drawn on Novo return

Rangers boss Ally McCoist says he will intensify his search for a forward after being left with only one fit striker following injuries to Nikica Jelavic and Kyle Lafferty.

The Ibrox manager refused to confirm or deny whether he was interested in bringing back Nacho Novo, who has been training at Murray Park, to Ibrox. (Scotsman)

IN BRIEF

• Raith Rovers have signed striker Pat Clarke from Dunfermline

• Rangers youngster Darren Cole has signed for Partick Thistle on loan until the end of the season