Rumour Mill: Ex-Real Madrid No 2 on Gers radar | Dembele winning fitness race

Aitor Karanka's odds on becoming the next Rangers boss have been slashed in some markets. Picture: Getty Images

Karanka’s Gers odds slashed

Former Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka is reportedly gaining ground on the frontrunners in the hunt for a new Rangers manager.

The former Real Madrid assistant’s odds have been slashed from 40/1 to 3/1 in some markets.

However, Derek McInnes is still thought to be the number one target for the Ibrox club. (Various)

Dembele winning fitness race

Moussa Dembele could yet face Anderlecht with reports from Celtic suggesting the French striker is winning his fitness battle.

It was revealed that the forward could miss the visit of the Brussels side after picking up a knock in the Betfred Cup final win over Motherwell.

But Brendan Rodgers suggested that there was a ‘good chance’ that the former PSG and Fulham ace would be able to play some part next Tuesday. (Various)

‘We had to shell out to fix Ibrox’ claims King

Dave King claims the Rangers board have spent significant funds of money repairing Ibrox, saying he wouldn’t describe the work as improvements, but instead getting it back to acceptable levels of standard.

King hinted that Ibrox had been allowed to fall into disrepair by previous regimes - in addition to fixing the roofs, there have been several other odd jobs carried out around the stadium to keep it up to scratch.

He told Rangers TV: “I think what we’ve done is refurbishing and repairing a stadium that had become dilapidated to get it back to being fit for purpose and something Rangers fans should be proud of.” (The Scotsman)

Lennon confirms Stokes was dropped

Hibs boss Neil Lennon has admitted striker Anthony Stokes was dropped for last weekend’s match against Hamilton because of a disciplinary problem.

However, the Republic of Ireland player is back in the squad for Saturday’s match with Partick Thistle and, according to Lennon, the matter is now at a close.

Stokes had been suffering from a virus prior to the trip to face Accies but, Lennon revealed, his absence was due to both that and ‘a discipline problem’. (Evening News)

Hearts break 14k season ticket barrier

Hearts’ season ticket sales have broken through the 14,000 barrier since the club’s return to Tynecastle Park.

Fans have snapped up seats in the new multi-million-pound main stand to take the total number of sales beyond the 14,000 mark.

That triggers a prize draw for all season ticket holders but more seats are still available though the club’s half-season ticket offer. (Evening News)

Brown claims coins are being thrown at Celtic players

Scott Brown has claimed that Celtic players are hit with missiles thrown from rival supporters ‘pretty much every week’.

Revealing Leigh Griffiths is targeted by oppositions fans, Brown added: “We’re getting used to it now - you take a corner and you have to look over your shoulder to see what’s coming. Eventually someone will get hit in the head with a coin but until that happens probably nothing will be done.” (The Scotsman)

Motherwell to seek answers from SFA

Motherwell have contacted the Scottish FA’s head of refereeing regarding the two controversial penalties awarded to Celtic in the last week.

In a statement, the club have expressed their disappointment at the decisions, saying: “It is disappointing to see high profile decisions affect Wednesday night’s match and the Betfred Cup final in the way the they have.

Motherwell have said they will investigate any incidents following comments made by Scott Brown about coins being thrown, while also noting the vandalism caused in the away end at Fir Park. (The Scotsman)

Rumour Mill: Ex-Real Madrid No 2 on Gers radar | Dembele winning fitness race | Ibrox repairs