Rumour Mill: Norwich set to sign Forrest | Cole given leave

James Forrest could be a Canary by the summer

Canaries favourites to sign Forrest

NORWICH are in pole position to sign James Forrest, according to reports. The Scotland winger has rejected a new deal at Celtic and looks likely to leave this summer.

The Canaries were linked with the 24-year-old, along with a handful of English clubs including Nottingham Forest and QPR, but Forrest looks set to move to Norwich. (Various)

Carlton Cole granted leave for ‘personal reasons’

CARLTON Cole has been allowed a leave of absence from Celtic for personal reasons and has returned to England.

According to STV, the former West Ham striker has given the Hoops a date of return and will be back in Glasgow soon. (STVSport)

Warburton’s sympathy for Deila

MARK Warburton has expressed his sympathy for Celtic counterpart Ronny Deila, following calls for the Norwegian to be sacked after a poor run of form for the Hoops.

Warburton said: “I thought London was a football city and then you come to Glasgow and really they live and die for their football.

“I do feel some sympathy for him but I think you know when you join a club like Celtic or Rangers, you know what you are putting yourself up for, that’s for sure.” (Various)

Yogi defends Easter Road celebrations

JOHN Hughes insists his Scottish Cup celebrations at Easter Road were justified, even if it did wind up some Hibs fans.

The ex-Hibs boss could not hide his emotions as Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo struck a 77th minute equaliser for Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the quarter final clash.

Hughes said: “My job is Inverness and I love everything about the club. That’s why when we scored I was celebrating and rightly so, because they pay my wages.

“If my celebrations upset one or two Hibs supporters then I’m sorry, but when you’re taking on the team that I’m a manager of then I want to win the game.” (The Scotsman)

McInnes tells Dons to take inspiration from Foxes

DEREK McInnes has told his Aberdeen team to look at Leicester’s charge towards the English Premier League title for inspiration.

The Foxes are within touching distance of a stunning league title triumph, and Pittodrie boss McInnes wants his Dons squad to emulate Claudio Ranieri’s men. (Various)

Costa del Stubbs: Spanish sun can ‘rejuvenate’ Hibs

ALAN Stubbs believes a few days of training in the Spanish sunshine will ensure Hibs are in the best shape possible for Sunday’s League Cup final against Ross County.

The squad are in the Andalusian hills until Thursday to finalise preparations for the biggest game of their season so far.

Stubbs said: “I wanted to take them away from all the publicity around the game and have an enclosed training camp where it’s just us and we can work on what we need to work on for the game in a relaxed environment away from all the TV.

“I just wanted to have a really relaxed environment before Sunday because I know the tension can build before the game. I asked about the opportunity of taking them away to do that and the club have, again, backed me and trusted me by doing it.” (The Scotsman)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Hibs are set to open a medical centre at Easter Road as part of a drive to make residents healthier and happier and it is understood the club are mulling over physical alterations to the stadium complex

• Interview: Ann Budge on why she backs Robbie Neilson

• Interview: Leeann Dempster on why she wants Hibs to win the League Cup for the fans

• Saidy Janko appeared for Celtic’s development squad last night as they took on St Mirren

Rumour Mill: Norwich set to sign Forrest | Cole given leave | Warburton's sympathy for Deila