Rumour Mill: Falkirk v Hibernian reaction | Rangers sign Liverpool's Jordan Rossiter

Joy for Falkirk, and heartbreak for Hibernian. Picture: Michael Gillen

Alan Stubbs laments cruel blow of another season in Championship

A desolate Alan Stubbs last night faced up to the reality of another season of Championship football, although whether the manager will still be at Hibs when the new campaign begins remains to be seen.

The Easter Road club endured one of their most desperately disappointing nights after Falkirk striker Bob McHugh’s winner in time added on meant their efforts in the league this season have come to naught.

“I am more disappointed for the players and the club as a whole – it is a cruel way to lose any game,” he said. “It’s not what we wanted, far from it. But this last two years have probably been the toughest to get out of the Championship.” (Scotsman)

Rangers sign Liverpool starlet Jordan Rossiter on four-year deal

Rangers have signed Liverpool youngster Jordan Rossiter on a four-year deal, the club have confirmed.

The midfielder was said to have snubbed interest from Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in favour of Ibrox after meeting with Rangers boss Mark Warburton.

A development fee would still have to be paid to his former club as Liverpool made an attempt to sign the player to a new deal. This will reportedly be in the region of £330,000.

Rossiter said: “I am made up to be here, it is a great club with a lot of history, you look at the likes of Rangers’ teams and players over the years and I am really looking forward to getting started.” (Scotsman)

‘Little bit harsh’ to say Ronny Deila’s reign was a failure

Mikael Lustig insists it would be harsh to describe Ronny Deila’s Celtic reign as a failure.

The departing Norwegian’s detractors point out his three failed attempts to qualify for the Champions League plus last month’s defeat by  Rangers in the Scottish Cup.

But right-back Lustig reckons a more considered view should be taken. The Swede said: ““Of course Celtic always want to be in the Champions League but at the same time he is not to blame. The players are the ones out there. We did not play as well as was needed.

“When we went out of the Champions League, we should have been the better team but we were not at that standard.”

Deila himself has backed the squad he’s leaving behind to mount a successful bid to qualify for the Champions League group stages. “You have to be ready and use the experience they have,” he said. “The last two seasons we have been very close. We will meet the same kind of opponents next time and Celtic should be good enough to beat them seven times out of 10.” (Scotsman)

I won’t use player cash to build Aberdeen’s new stadium, vows Stewart Milne

Stewart Milne has promised not to use Derek McInnes’ transfer budget to pay for Pittodrie’s replacement, a proposed £40 million complex at Kingsford in the west of the city.

The Aberdeen chairman has said he will provide McInnes with the finances needed to strengthen the squad in order to mount another title challenge to rival Celtic.

Talking about the importance of moving to a new stadium, Milne said: “We will reach a point at Pittodrie where we just simply won’t be able to play European matches there. It’s getting increasingly difficult to meet health and safety requirements – and all the time Uefa’s stadium criteria is getting tightened.”

He added: “It would be unthinkable for Aberdeen to qualify for Europe and then have to play those games at Hampden because out home isn’t up to scratch.” (Daily Record)

Hearts may sell Callum Paterson as Bristol City line up bid

Bristol City are thought to be considering a bid for Hearts’ Callum Paterson after their manager, former hearts man Lee Johnson, watched him play against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

The 21-year-old full-back has been monitored on several occasions by the club, who look like the favourites to land Paterson.

The defender has one more year left to run on his contract, which has put pressure on Hearts to make a decision this summer about his future.

Meanwhile, striker Soufian El Hassnaoui has left the club after his Tynecastle contract was terminated a year early. (Daily Record)

Like whisky? Take part and win with The Great Scotsman Whisky Survey

Rumour Mill: Falkirk v Hibernian reaction | Rangers sign Liverpool's Jordan Rossiter | Ronny Deila '˜not a failure'