Rumour Mill: Rangers fans told to be patient | Hearts to offer Souttar new deal | Hibs plan for January

Rangers supporters have been told to show patience with manager Mark Warburton by a former Ibrox star, Hearts are set to offer defender John Souttar a new contract, and Hibs are already looking towards strengthening in the January window.

Ian Durrant has called on fans to stay behind Rangers manager Mark Warburton. Picture: John Devlin

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Rangers fans told to be patient

Former Rangers star Ian Durrant has called on the club’s fans to be more realistic about current expectations after the Light Blues drew 1-1 with Ross County at the weekend.

The result leaves Rangers in third place, a point behind Aberdeen and 11 adrift of rivals Celtic after only 12 games played.

Durrant believes Warburton is building towards something special “with some good, young players” and Rangers fans need to be realistic as this is the club’s first season back in the top flight. (Daily Mail)

Hearts to offer Souttar new deal

Hearts are looking to fight off interest in centre-back John Souttar by offering the youngster a new deal to remain at Tynecastle.

Souttar has been in excellent form since joining the club in January this year, prompting interest from Aston Villa in his services.

Despite the 20-year-old having two-and-a-half years left on his current contract, Hearts are keen to offer the defender improved terms. (The Sun)

Hibs plan for January

Neil Lennon is intent on strengthening his Hibs squad with the addition of “one or two” new faces in the January transfer window.

The head coach raved about both the quality and character of players at his disposal as he addressed around 250 shareholders at the club’s annual general meeting at Easter Road last night.

However, he confirmed that efforts are ongoing behind the scenes to source potential January recruits who can help the team through the business end of their push for promotion to the Premiership. (Evening News)

Lustig injury

Mikael Lustig’s foot injury is not as bad as first feared and the Celtic defender could be back in time to face Kilmarnock in the Ladbrokes Premiership Friday after next.

The defender sustained a heavy knock in the first few minutes of Saturday’s win against Inverness CT. Although a scan showed no serious damage, the bruising will still keep him out of Sweden’s World Cup qualifier with France. (Evening Times)

Dembele ‘invaluable’ to Celtic

Leigh Griffiths has praised the impact of Moussa Dembele despite the Frenchman keeping last season’s top scorer on the bench for most of this season at Celtic.

The two got a rare start together in Saturday’s win over Inverness CT with Griffiths scoring during the 3-0 victory.

Afterwards, Griffiths praised his team-mate’s “invaluable” contribution to the squad and insisted the club must be looking to keep the player rather than sell him on in January. (Evening Times)

Paterson fired up by Boyd jibes

Callum Paterson insists he’ll use Kris Boyd’s harsh assessment of his talents to motivate him on to bigger and better things in football.

The Kilmarnock striker was quite cutting in his assessment of Paterson, saying he didn’t believe the Hearts right-back was worthy of international football.

Paterson says he wasn’t bothered by Boyd’s opinion, saying he’ll use it as inspiration to work harder and become a better player. (The Sun)

Auld Enemey “misconception”

Graeme Souness believes it’s a misconception that Scotland are more passionate about the clash with the Auld Enemy than England are about the game.

The former Scotland international, who captained his nation to a win over England in 1985, believes there is just as much atmosphere as your average Old Firm clash. (Daily Record)

Brown not guaranteed to start

Mark McGhee believes Scotland have no need to be feel inferior against their English hosts on Friday because the returning Scott Brown is not even guaranteed a game.

The former skipper’s recent decision to suspend his retirement for at least one match created much hoopla.

But while acknowledging the player has a “good chance” of being reinstated to midfield, McGhee noted how others have stepped up to the mark since Brown’s announced he was stepping away from international football in August, a decision he has since revoked. (The Scotsman)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Morton striker Jai Quitongo finds it “surreal” he’s due to make his Scotland under-21s debut a year after almost quitting football. (Daily Record)

• Dundee United defender Paul Dixon is out until after the New Year after suffering knee ligament damage. (Daily Record)

• Mark McGhee insists the door remains open for Alan Hutton to return to the Scotland fold despite the defender retiring from international football. (Daily Record)

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