Rumour Mill: McGregor title hopes | Forest eye Tavernier | Paterson's Hearts exit

Callum Paterson won't re-sign for Hearts

Champagne on ice for McGregor

Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor has the champagne on ice this weekend as he hopes to mark his 100th appearance for the Hoops with a title-winning party.

He said: “[The 100] is a special milestone. It’s something I’m especially proud of in being a Glasgow boy and coming through the academy. I heard a few weeks ago I was on 94 so it will be good to clock up the 100 and it would be even more special if I could do it on the same day as winning the league.” (various)

Sarris attacks Garner’s horror tackle

Hamilton defender Georgios Sarris launched a scathing attack on Rangers striker Joe Garner over his tackle on his Accies teammate Dougie Imrie.

As the teams prepare to clash in Pedro Caixinha’s managerial debut at Ibrox today Sarris described Garner’s challenge on Imrie when the teams last met a fortnight ago as worth two red cards.

He said: “The tackle on Dougie was two red cards, not one. If he had broken his knee how would he have slept at night?

“If you’re going to kick or hit or punch someone, if you make big damage, how can you live with this every day?”

“It’s not normal to kick someone for no reason and the one at Ibrox was without reason.

(Daily Record)

Paterson set for Tynecastle exit

Callum Paterson will not sign a new contract at Hearts after reiterating his desire to continue his career elsewhere.

The Scotland defender has told head coach Ian Cathro he won’t extend his deal, which expires at the end of the season.

Paterson is currently recovering from cruciate and medial ligament damage to his left knee and won’t be fit until September. (Evening News)

Warburton eyes Tavernier swoop

Former Rangers manager Mark Warburton has targeted James Tavernier to join him at Nottingham Forest. Forest’s director of football Frank McParland - former head of recruitment at Ibrox - is piecing together a list of potential summer recruits and Tavernier’s name is on it. Warburton has been promised funds to rebuild at the end of the campaign. Tavernier extended his contract recently until 2019 but with new Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha assessing his options it is unclear if Tavernier, who joined rangers from Wigan Athletic for £250,000 in 2015 will be allowed to leave. (Daily Mail)

Barry’s language woes

Micahael Mols thinks Barry Ferguson’s biggest challenge in working with new Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha will be the language barrier, because the new rangers manager will have difficulty understand Ferguson’s accent.

The former Clyde manager is being lined up for a return to Ibrox in a back-room role with the coaching staff. Caixinha will interview candidates on Monday and Ferguson has been offered a meeting at Murray Park on Monday. Kenny Miller is also a contender for the role. (The Sun)

Hibs defender McGregor still hoping for international call up

Darren McGregor hasn’t given up hope of earning Scotland recognition in the future even though the in-form Hibs defender has been overlooked for Gordon Strachan’s latest squad. As arguably the best-performing Scottish centre-back on the domestic scene this season, the 31-year-old had been touted as a contender for a maiden call-up this month. (Evening News)

Phillips hamstring Scotland doubt

Matt Phillips is a major doubt for the Scotland games against Canada and Slovenia, The West Brom front man was named in Gordon Strachan’s squad but has failed to shake a hamstring injury. (The Sun)