Rangers star speaks on EPL 'interest', Celtic in last-ditch move for midfielder, Ibrox trials for striker, 2,000 fans set for May return - Scottish Premiership Rumour Mill

The Scottish Cup returns this weekend with games spread across the weekend, starting with a triple bill this evening.

Friday's Scottish football main headlines and news. Picture: SNS

Due to the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, taking place on Saturday there has had to be a shuffle of the fixturecard meaning there are not 3pm kick-offs on Saturday.

Still, there is set to be plenty of action and intrigue with four games being shown live, including the Old Firm clash on Sunday which completes the cup action.

In addition, games are taking place in the Championship, League 1 and League 2 which are set to have ramifications for promotion and relegation.

Here are Friday’s main news and headlines from Scottish football:

Ex-Rangers star Kenny Miller believes his former club are “by far and away the best team in the country” ahead of the Scottish Cup Old Firm clash this weekend. Miller pinpointed Steven Davis and Allan McGregor’s mentality as key to the club’s turnaround under Steven Gerrard. (Scottish Sun)

Rangers could insert a release clause into a new contract for Glen Kamara. The Finnish midfielder, who has two years remaining on his current deal, revealed last month talks have been held with the club over a new deal. Ex-Rangers star Alan Hutton reckons a release clause could be a smart move from all parties. He said: “Rangers are going to get value for the player, they’re giving the player the option that if this value is met, they’ll let him leave." (Football Insider)

Celtic made a last-ditch move to convince Scott Brown to stay at Parkhead. New Aberdeen boss Stephen Glass revealed the club made their advances on the day the midfielder was signing his pre-contract to become a player-coach at Pittodrie from next season. (The Scotsman)

St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin won’t be in the dugout for this evening’s Scottish Cup clash with Inverness CT. The Buddies manager has been hit with an immediate two-match ban with another suspended until the end of the year. Goodwin was hit with the suspension by the Scottish FA for confronting referee Don Robertson after the 1-1 draw with Hamilton as St Mirren failed to reach the top six. (Various)

Rangers ace Filip Helander has played down speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League. Reports in Sweden have credited Aston Villa and Leicester City with an interest in the centre-back. Helander, however, says he wants to “continue to perform at Rangers”. He said: "It's just speculation. I feel good here and I have two years left on my contract here.” (Fotbollskanalen)

Fans could be let in for the Premiership play-off in May. The prospect of up to 2,000 fans being allowed in for the double header is being looked at and could lead to the Scottish Cup final being moved from Hampden Park to incorporate supporters. The country is expected to move to level two on May 17. (Daily Record)

Rangers are casting an eye over teenage striker Shane Temple. The 18-year-old AFC Sudbury star is on trial at Ibrox has impressed in English non-league and is expected to take part in an 11-a-side match at the club’s training centre as part of the trial. (The Scotsman)