Mackay a surprise name in frame for Hibs

FORMER Celtic and Scotland defender Malky Mackay has emerged as a surprise candidate to replace Mixu Paatelainen as manager of Hibernian. The 37-year-old is currently first-team coach at Championship club Watford but is keen to move into management.

He had five matches as caretaker manager of the Hornets after Aidy Boothroyd was sacked last season but the club opted to appoint Reading's youth coach Brendan Rodgers instead.

Last week, Rodgers quit his post to replace Steve Coppell as Reading's boss and Mackay is on a short-list of candidates for the main job at Vicarage Road. However, he is interested in returning to Scotland.

Mackay, who began his career with Queen's Park and also played for Norwich City and West Ham, moved on to Watford's coaching staff in January of last year, making his final appearance as a player in an FA Cup tie against Wolves that month.

Rangers captain David Weir is confident a new deal will be thrashed out without any problems. Manager Walter Smith revealed last week that he was keen for the 39-year-old defender to remain at Ibrox for another year and Weir expects contract talks to be straightforward.

"I don't think there will be any problem agreeing a new deal," the defender said.

"I haven't spoken to the manager this week because I have been on a coaching course.

"But before the end of the season he gave me the option of staying on for another year and I want to take it.

"There is a willingness to reach an agreement from both parties."