Stephen Gerrard calls for plastic pitches ban amid players’ safety

Steven Gerrard has insisted that plastic pitches threaten the livelihoods of the county’s players and called on football authorities to get rid of them.

Gerrard gave the strongest denunciation of the surfaces in endorsing PFA Scotland’s player petition this week that called for these to be outlawed. The Rangers manager, who described the Rugby Park surface his team have played on twice in recent weeks as the “worst” he has ever “walked on”. And he cited the knee-ligament injury sustained by the Ibrox winger Jamie Murphy at Kilmarnock in August that has kept him out since as an example of players putting their careers at risk on synthetic surfaces.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard during training at Ibrox. Picture: Bill Murray/SNS

(Daily Record)

Hibs chief executive insists she never considered stepping down

Hibs chief executive Leeann Dempster insists she never considered stepping down in the wake of Neil Lennon leaving his role as head coach.

Dempster refused to elaborate on the reasons for the former Celtic manager parting company by mutual consent at the end of last month after Lennon was initially suspended following a heated team meeting. (Scotsman)

Craig Levein has urged Steven Naismith not to jeopardise his dream of representing Scotland

The Hearts boss urged Naismith not to pursue a shock switch to Major League Soccer if he wanted to represent Scotland in Euro 2020.

The 32-year-old is understood to be amenable to the idea of moving to America, with the improving level of football allied with the standard of living for his young family a significant selling point. (Edinburgh Evening News)

Brendan Rodgers says team are ready to take on Kilmarnock

The Celtic boss insists that his team won’t go to Rugby Park feeling sorry for themselves after their defeat against Valencia.

Celtic lost to Valencia 2-0 with Rodgers questioning players decisions and mistakes. Rodgers said: “The beauty of this group is that we have always tried to be honest in reflections on the game knowing there’s another game soon.”

(The Sun)

Derek McInnes hopes Greg Tansey can recover his best form after switch from Aberdeen

After 18 months of recurring injuries, Tansey left Aberdeen last month to join St Mirren. The former Caley Thistle midfielder will return to Aberdeen with his new club this afternoon. McInnes said: “He has good experience and I am sure his cause and focus will be on St Mirren and I hope he does well apart from today.”

(Press & Journal)

Carl McHugh praises Motherwell youngsters despite them keeping him on the bench

The midfielder has praised players such as David Turnbull, Allan Campbell and Jake Hastie for helping Motherwell win their last five matches in the Premiership. Despite not getting a game himself, McHugh says the players and the club’s future is bright.

(Herald)

Rumour Mill: Stephen Gerrard slams plastic pitches | Hibs chief speaks out | Craig Levein offers Steven Naismith advice