Rumour Mill: Rangers to make official McInnes approach | Ferguson back to Ibrox?

Rangers wish to make Derek McInnes their new manager. Picture: SNS

Five things we learned from Aberdeen 1 - 2 Rangers

Rangers to make official approach

Rangers will make an official approach to Aberdeen for permission to speak with manager Derek McInnes sometime on Monday. The Ibrox board have identified the former Rangers player as their preferred target after a five-and-a-half-week search. (Daily Express)

- Derek McInnes has expressed his dismay at the protracted nature of Rangers’ search for a new manager which may yet lead to him being offered the job. (The Scotsman)

Ferguson to join Ibrox coaching staff?

Barry Ferguson could join his former team-mate Derek McInnes at Rangers as the No.3 coach. The 39-year-old was interviewed by Pedro Caixinha for a similar role earlier this year but lost out to Jonatan Johansson. The Ibrox hierarchy are keen to bring him in alongside McInnes and assistant Tony Docherty. (Scottish Sun)

Hearts striker ‘blacks up’

Hearts striker Cole Stockton has been criticised by fans for ‘blacking up’ at the team’s Christmas party. The Tynecastle stars wore fancy dress for the evening, with Stockton opting to go for Mr T. The 23-year-old used faint pace to colour his skin, which many supporters have found offensive. (Scottish Sun)

Berra brands Madden a ‘joke’

Hearts captain Christophe Berra has criticised the performance of referee Bobby Madden in the wake of the team’s 1-1 draw with Hamilton Accies this past weekend. The Scottish international felt some of the official’s decisions were “farcical” and agreed that he’d lost control of the match. (Various)

- Hamilton’s Dougie Imrie accused Hearts of “sour grapes” after the sides – often literally – fought out a 1-1 draw at Tynecastle on Saturday. (The Scotsman)

Rangers to consider Jack appeal

Rangers will consider lodging an appeal against Ryan Jack’s sending-off against Aberdeen at Pittodrie. The midfielder was shown a straight red card for a foul on Stevie May, the fourth time Jack has been sent off this season, although two of the red cards were rescinded. (The Scotsman)

Boyata warns Celtic over Anderlecht

Dedryck Boyata has warned that Anderlecht remain convinced that they can edge out Brendan Rodgers’ men for a place in the Europa League tomorrow night. In hailing from Brussels where the Belgian champions are based, the 27-year-old Celtic defender has been given a real insight into the mindset Anderlecht will take into their Glasgow visit. (The Scotsman)

Marciano wants Hibs to replicate away form

Ofir Marciano has urged his Hibs team-mates to bring their away form to Easter Road and turn up the heat in the race for second place in the Premiership table. The Capital club are locked in a three-way battle with Aberdeen and Rangers for that spot behind champions-elect Celtic and will face all three of those sides in six days. (Evening News)

Rumour Mill: Rangers to make official McInnes approach | Ferguson back to Ibrox? | Hearts striker '˜blacks up'