Steven Gerrard backed for Rangers stay, 5 Celtic players to exit, Ibrox striker tipped for Championship move, £3m colt teams offer - Scottish Premiership Rumour Mill

It is a huge day in Scottish football with the final of the Betfred Cup between Livingston and St Johnstone.

Sunday's Scottish football latest. Picture: SNS

The pair duke it out in only the second final since the 50s to not involve one of Aberdeen, Celtic, Hearts, Hibs or Rangers. It follows another day of intrigue across the Premiership and Championship.

Motherwell recorded a huge result at Hibs to pull themselves away from relegation trouble while St Mirren took another step towards top six football with a win over Ross County. Meanwhile, Tommy Wright picked up his first point as Kilmarnock boss.

Celtic and Rangers are prepared to offer lower league clubs £3million for their Colt teams to be placed in an extended fourth tier. The clubs would give League One and League Two clubs £1.5million over five years, working out £30,000 per team per season. (Scottish Sun)

Steven Gerrard has been backed to stay at Rangers next season and add to the Scottish Premiership the club are on the verge of winning. Former Ibrox director of football Mark Allen, who helped bring Gerrard to the club, reckons he will want to build on this season’s success, comparing him to Sir Alex Ferguson and his desire to “add more”. (Scottish Sun)

John Kennedy expects interest in Celtic ace Kristoffer Ajer in the summer. However, he wants the club to hold on to players of his quality. Kenned said: “Kris isn't overly thinking about his future. I've no doubt that there will be interest in him. But it's important for the club going forward to keep players like him.” (Various)

Graham Alexander confirmed centre-back Declan Gallagher will remain at Motherwell until the end of the season but refused to be drawn on the future after that. The Scotland ace triggered a clause in his contract for an extension with his 25th appearance for the club against Hibs but will likely have plenty of interest in the summer. (Various)

St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin admitted he will take action against forward Collin Quaner if he decided his player dived to win a penalty against Ross County. He said: “If it’s proved he’s dived I’ll be the first to speak to him. There have been a lot of soft penalties awarded recently but if my player deserved the book thrown at him then so be it.” (Various)

Former Celtic favourite Frank McAvennie reckons none of the five loan players at Parkhead will remain at the club beyond the summer. Shane Duffy, Diego Laxalt, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Jonjoe Kenny are all due to return to their parent clubs and McAvennie reckons none of them will be back with Celtic needing a "clear out”. (Football Insider)

Rangers striker Jermain Defoe has been tipped to be a shrewd signing by an English Championship club. Ex-Aberdeen forward Noel Whelan reckons he still has what it takes at that level and needs to be playing regularly. Defoe has made 12 appearances this season, scoring four goals for Rangers. (Football Insider)

Shaun Maloney refused to be drawn on speculation over the Celtic managerial position. The former Parkhead ace was asked on Sportscene about his interest in the job but said he had to “show respect” to the Belgian national team where he is currently No.2. (BBC)