Rumour Mill: Scottish Cup draw farce | Celtic '˜lack something' | TV blackout for derby replay

SFA chief embarrassed over cup draw farce; ex-Gers defender says Celtic '˜lack something' and no TV coverage for Edinburgh Derby cup replay

The Scottish Cup fifth round replay between Hibs and Hearts will not be broadcast on television. Picture: SNS

McRae admits draw was a shocker

SFA president Alan McRae admitted he was personally embarrassed after the initial Scottish Cup quarter-final draw had to be declared void.

An opening tie had already been picked out when Brian McColgan of sponsors William Hill pulled the loose bit of paper containing Morton’s name on it attached to another ball.

A stunned McRae immediately recognised SFA cup draw protocol had been compromised and the draw would have to start all over again. (Scottish Sun)

No TV coverage of Edinburgh derby

Next Tuesday’s William Hill Scottish Cup replay between Hibs and Hearts is set to be the first Edinburgh derby in ten years not to be shown live on television.

Sky and the BBC both have options to screen a tie – Kilmarnock will play Rangers the same night – but the matches clash with Champions League games and UEFA rules prohibit any other football being screened in direct competition. (The Scotsman)

Griffiths thanks Hearts and Rangers fans

Leigh Griffiths last night offered his thanks for messages of support from fans of all clubs including Hearts and Rangers.

The Celtic star was subjected to online abuse on Sunday night after an internet troll sickeningly wished the footballer’s four children would die. (Daily Record)

Now’s the time to face Celtic, says Brown

Former Rangers defender John Brown admits he is a little disappointed that yesterday’s Scottish Cup draw did not pair the Ibrox club with city rivals Celtic.

Brown believes Ronny Deila’s side are “lacking something” after watching their 2-0 victory over East Kilbride. (Daily Mail)

McCulloch still in charge at Killie

Lee McCulloch has been primed to take charge of Kilmarnock for Saturday’s relegation crunch against Motherwell.

The Ayrshire club are continuing to assess applications for the Rugby Park job, with former Birmingham boss Lee Clark among those in the running. (Daily Record)

Hibs won’t crumble under Stubbs

Hibs midfielder John McGinn believes they can face a second tie against Hearts — and potentially a quarter final clash with Cup holders Inverness — with confidence.

The former St Mirren midfielder believes manager Alan Stubbs has led a change in thinking at Easter Road. (Scottish Sun)

Stevenson hit with ban

LEWIS Stevenson faces a wait to play his 300th match for Hibs after he picked up his sixth booking of the season during the 1-0 win away to Morton.

Stevenson, who has been at Hibs since 2005, will be free to face Hearts in the cup replay but will miss the home match against Alloa on February 21. (Evening News)