Rumour Mill: Hearts-Hibs | Kris Boyd | Rangers

ALAN STUBBS believes Hibs were wrongly denied a penalty in yesterday’s Edinburgh derby, Kilmarnock are looking to lure Kris Boyd back to the club in the January transfer window, and a Rangers supporters’ group has backed the recent investment by Dave King and The Three Bears.

The Hibs manager believes his side should have been awarded a second half penalty against Hearts. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Hearts and Hibs share spoils in New Year’s Edinburgh derby

The Championship title is now Hearts’ to lose, Hibernian manager Alan Subbs conceded after yesterday’s 1-1 derby draw at Tynecastle. The visitors took the lead but had to settle for a point which keeps them 19 points behind their local rivals in the league table. (The Scotsman)

• While admitting it would be a hard task, Hearts winger Jamie Walker believes the leaders have the ability to go the entire league season undefeated after fighting back to earn a draw yesterday. (The Scotsman)

• Stubbs believed his side were robbed of three points by referee Steven MacLean’s refusal to award the away side a second half penalty after Miguel Pallardo and Danny Handling collided in the penalty area. (Sunday Express)

• Goalscorer Jason Cummings revealed how he has been waiting on the moment to get revenge on Hearts since the Gorgie Road club released him as a 16-year old. (Sunday Mail)

Kilmarnock want to tempt Rangers to sell Kris Boyd

Rangers striker Kris Boyd is wanted by former club Kilmarnock in the January transfer window. The former Rugby Park hitman netted 22 league goals in the Scottish Premiership last term, but has managed just two strikes since dropping down to the Championship this summer. (The Sun)

• Caretaker manager Kenny McDowall would prefer the end of the transfer window to come sooner rather than later as he looks to keep his best players at Ibrox. McDowall has already lost midfielder Lewis Macleod, who signed for Brentford, and may have to wave farewell to one or two more because of Rangers’ ongoing financial problems. (Sunday Express)

• Richard Foster has hit back at internet trolls who abused the Rangers full-back for taking his three-year son to the carnival one day after his side had lost 4-0 to Hibs at Easter Road. Foster said the criticism had “gone too far”. (The Scotsman)

Fans group back King and The Three Bears

The Rangers Supporters Trust welcomed the purchase of 15 per cent of the club’s shares by Dave King, in addition to the 16 per cent recently bought by The Three Bears consortium of Donald Park, George Letham and George Taylor. A spokesman for the RST described those involved as “trusted Rangers’ supporting businessman” as they await the latest development in the struggle for control at Ibrox. (Sunday Post)

Celtic and Killie in plastic pitch row

Celtic have reportedly been a little put out by a refusal from today’s opponents Kilmarnock to allow the champions to train on the Rugby Park plastic pitch. The Hoops’ request to conduct a short training session on the turf during the week was denied by today’s hosts. (Sunday Mail)

• Kilmarnock defender Mark Connolly claims other Scottish Premiership teams should not fear Celtic considering the amount of points that have been dropped by the title favourites. (The Scotsman)

• For midfielder Nir Biton, there is little point concentrating on the fortunes of other teams as the title is still Celtic’s to lose. The Israeli conceded that the champions had not been at their best this campaign. (The Scotsman)

Celtic are happy to buy Scottish talent

Celtic boss Ronny Deila insists there are Scottish players whom the Glasgow giants would be interested in signing during January. Deila went as far as to say if there was a Scottish and a foreign player of equal ability, Celtic would prefer the Scottish player. (The Sun)

• Former Manchester United star Jaap Stam believes his fellow countryman Virgil van Dijk can make a big success of himself in England. Stam described it as “Celtic’s gain” that clubs in the Netherlands were reticent about signing the defender prior to his move to Parkhead (Sunday Post)

News in brief

• Dundee’s Iain Davidson revealed how horror stories told by Kevin Thomson and James McPake of their relegation with Hibs has given Dens Park players extra motivation not to be sucked into the relegation battle this term. (The Scotsman)

• Paul Gallacher wants to bring Dundee United back down to earth when the goalkeeper lines up against their formidable attack for Partick Thistle today. (The Scotsman)

• Having endured some tough times during his Aberdeen career, Andrew Considine is delighted to have signed a new deal while his team sit top of the Scottish Premiership. (The Scotsman)

• Scottish international Sean Maloney looks likely to leave Wigan in the January transfer window. (Sunday Post)

• Jason Scotland has left Hamilton Accies as the Lanarkshire club have recruited midfielder Lee Lynch.