Rumour Mill: Hibs to sign Juventus midfielder | Ajer in line for Rosenborg start | Celtic won't replace Izaguirre
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Hibs to sign Juventus midfielder
Hibs boss Neil Lennon has revealed he hopes to sign Lithuanian international midfielder Vykintas Slivka on a three-year deal. The Easter Road club had been intending to take the 22-year-old on a season-long loan from Italian giants Juventus. But now Slivka, who has won 19 caps for Lithuania and played in all of their current World Cup qualifying matches including the 1-1 draw with Scotland at Hampden, will agree a permanent contract. (Evening News)
Ajer in line for Rosenborg start
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdYoungster Kristoffer Ajer could be thrown into the deep end tonight by making his full Celtic debut against Rosenborg. The 19-year-old is in line to start the key fixture after an injury to Erik Sviatchenko put the Danish international at serious threat of missing the match. Ajer has played only once for Celtic before, as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Lincoln Red Imps last campaign, and spent time on loan at Kilmarnock. (Scottish Sun)
Rodgers won’t replace Izaguirre
Brendan Rodgers is not looking to replace back-up left-back Emilio Izaguirre following the player’s departure from Celtic because the manager believes there is already enough quality in reserve. Rodgers has been impressed with the development of academy graduates Tony Ralston and Calvin Miller and will give the pair the chance to stake a claim as Kieran Tierney’s understudy. (Scottish Sun)
McCann ‘heartbroken’ for Wighton
Dundee boss Neil McCann says he’s “heartbroken” for youngster Craig Wighton after the promising attacker was ruled out for most of the season with a knee ligament injury. The 19-year-old suffered the blow during an under-20s game last week and scans have since confirmed Dundee’s worst fears. (Evening Telegraph)
Brown calls on Dembele to stay
Celtic skipper Scott Brown insists Moussa Dembele will get even better under Brendan Rodgers. Ahead of the clash against Rosenborg, for which Dembele is battling to be fit after picking up a hamstring problem, Brown revealed his admiration for the former Fulham player. However, the Scotland captain believes Rodgers can improve him further. (Various)
• Scott Brown is hoping Celtic draw Real Madrid should they make it to the Champions League group stages, having never faced the most successful club in the competition’s history before. (Herald Scotland)
Cathro demands better from Hearts
Ian Cathro is demanding Hearts fight back from last night’s shock Betfred Cup defeat at League Two Peterhead by securing their place in the last 16. The Tynecastle head coach knows his players must beat Dunfermline on Saturday to reach the competition’s knockout phase and implored them to show the correct reaction. (Evening News)
McInnes confident ahead of Cypriot test
Derek McInnes expects Aberdeen to face a step up in class when they meet Apollon Limassol in the Europa League. The manager admits it’s difficult to be certain just how good Apollon are given their comfortable 5-1 aggregate win over Zaria of Moldova in the previous round. McInnes was certainly impressed with the way they went about their business in both legs of the tie but that doesn’t disguise the fact they didn’t face the toughest of tests. (The Scotsman)
Terrors sign McDonald
Dundee United have completed the signing of Scott McDonald on a one-year deal. The 33-year-old left Motherwell following the conclusion of the previous campaign after opting against signing a contract extension. The forward, who has played 25 times for Australia, impressed at Fir Park since rejoining at the beginning of 2015, netting 30 times. (The Scotsman)