Rumour mill: Hutton hails Warburton | Hearts eye second

FORMER Rangers midfielder Kyle Hutton has credited current Ibrox boss Mark Warburton with changing the culture around the club, Nadir Ciftci believes he has fired Celtic back to their ‘rightful’ position at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership, and Robbie Neilson wants Hearts to challenge Aberdeen for second place after ending their winless run at Tannadice.

Mark Warburton watched on as Rangers came from behind to defeat Queen of the South on Saturday. Picture: SNS

Warburton has changed Ibrox atmosphere - Hutton

FORMER Rangers midfielder Kyle Hutton has credited Mark Warburton with reinvigorating the atmosphere around Ibrox after the hosts came from behind to defeat Queen of the South on Saturday.

The 24-year-old spent five years in the Rangers first-team and remained with the club after their demotion to the fourth tier, including last season’s trying campaign where Ally McCoist, Kenny McDowell and then Stuart McCall all failed to lead Rangers back to the top flight.

Mark Warburton watched on as Rangers came from behind to defeat Queen of the South on Saturday. Picture: SNS

Hutton insists the calm demeanour displayed by the hosts and backing they received from the crowd, despite being 1-0 down at half-time, would not have occurred in years past.

“That was a big difference. I remember the times we would go 1-0 down at half-time and all hell would break loose,” said Hutton. (Evening Times)

Celtic now back where they belong says Nadir Ciftci

NADIR believes he fired Celtic to their rightful place at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership in the 1-0 win at Motherwell on Saturday.

Aberdeen’s 2-0 defeat at Ross County on Friday night left the Hoops knowing even a draw at Fir Park, where Mark McGhee was beginning his second tenure as Well boss, would take them above the ailing Dons, who have now lost their last five games.

Ciftci, a summer signing from Dundee United, started as replacement for top scorer Leigh Griffiths, who was among the substitutes, and the 23-year-old Turkish forward was on hand in the 14th minute to guide the ball into the net after Motherwell goalkeeper Connor Ripley had blocked a Kris Commons strike. (The Scotsman)

Fit-again Hibs won’t throw in the towel

FRASER Fyvie insists Hibs have not given up on challenging Rangers for the Scottish Championship crown as the Easter Road outfit finally have a full squad of fit players to choose from.

Fyvie was one of six players to return as Alan Stubbs’ men defeated Dumbarton in an entertaining 4-2 victory.

The midfielder now hopes Hibs can build-up some momentum as they look to cut the 11-point gap at the top of the second tier. (The Scotsman)

Robbie Neilson urges Hearts to kick on and catch Dons

Robbie Neilson hopes yesterday’s “nervy” win over Dundee United can be the catalyst for Hearts to kick on and challenge stuttering Aberdeen for second place in the Premiership.

The Tynecastle side ended a five-game run without a league win after Juanma Delgado’s first-half penalty settled an occasionally feisty match against the league’s bottom side, who were under the management of former Hibs player and boss Mixu Paatelainen for the first time.

The result took Hearts back above this weekend’s opponents Ross County into third place and within four points of Aberdeen, who have lost their last four games in all competitions. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Rangers dedicate victory to 14-year-old Rhya Story

RANGERS midfielder Jason Holt dedicated the come-from-behind victory over Queen of the South to young Rhya Story, the 14-year-old girl who lost her battle with an inoperable brain tumour last week.

The Rangers squad took part in a photo-shoot with the football-mad teenager shortly before her passing, as football stars from around the country paid tribute to the brave youngster.

“We wanted to win it for her and to win it that way was special,” said Holt. (The Scottish Sun)

Aberdeen refuse to panic despite losing streak

GRAEME Shinnie insists Aberdeen can still challenge for the Scottish Premiership crown despite dropping their third successive league game, four in all competitions, against Ross County on Friday.

The Dons went down 2-0 thanks to a double from Brian Graham. They have failed to take a single point after winning all of their opening eight league fixtures to start the campaign.

However, that run means they still remain only a point behind Celtic in the table, despite the worrisome skid.

“Maybe it is lucky we had such a good start as the position we’re in is not too bad given the run we’ve been on,” said Shinnie. (Press and Journal)