Runaway Premiership leaders Rangers head to the line as they approach a title 55, and Steven Gerrard seems ready to turn Aberdeen winger Scott Wright into his first catch.
Across the city, Celtic face a primary reconstruction effort after a lousy season, while brands remain on Coach Neil Lennon’s long career at the club.
On the other hand, Hibs added a new quality by competing with Aberdeen for third place, while league leaders, the Hearts, have their chances of promotion with the arrival of the Gary Mackay-Steven winger.
Follow our live blog as SunSport brings you all the latest news and gossip about the SPFL.
Don’t forget me
Kevin Nibset needs to make sure Scottish boss Steve Clarke doesn’t.
Hibs’ striker scored his thirteenth goal of an impressive first crusade in the most sensible flight with a last-minute leveler opposed to Celtic at Parkhead on Monday night.
Now modeler Dunfermline and Raith’s leader are desperate to maintain their very good shape at the time of the season in the hope of making their way to Clarke’s plans for this summer’s Euro.
Nisbet, 23, said: “It’s a smart feeling to have the purpose in the end. I think we deserved it from the game.
“It probably wouldn’t hurt me, but it’s up to me to keep acting, keep scoring goals and stay in Steve Clarke’s thoughts. “
FILIP’N HELL
Frank McAvennie was surprised after Filip Benkovic refused to sign celtic to sign for Belgian team OH Leuven.
Hoops’ assistant John Kennedy showed last week that the Croatian cap on a target list after Brendan Rodgers opened the door to a loan deal.
But the 23-year-old did not go back to Parkhead when he joined Leicester’s associate club in Leuven.
And the legend of Bhoy, Macca, told Football Insider: “I liked Benkovic.
“I think he’s a smart player.
“It’s strange. Something must have happened so I don’t have to come back here. It won’t be a cash consultation, because it’s a loan.
“It’s amazing, do people need to move to Belgium through Celtic?It doesn’t make much sense to me.
“It’s a blow because he’s a very smart player.
“You have to warn someone this month. I think he deserves it done now. They deserve to have appointed someone before the window who was in a position to give entry now, that after. I didn’t perceive it. “
THE SKY IS BORDER FOR BILLY
Frank Lampard insists Billy Gilmour will be HUGE for Chelsea.
Former Rangers have fully recovered from the knee injury that reduced his season last July.
And he caught his eye after being sent back to the first action through Chief Lampard.
Gilmour, 19, was inspired by the recent 3–1 loss to Man City and led Sunday’s 4-0 FA Cup victory over Derek Adams’ Morecambe.
And Lampard said, “I’m very happy to have Billy in a position to go. He’s going to be a wonderful player for this club. “
“He’s young and, like all the boys I talk about on the team, we have to give him time, but his skill is enormous and I’m satisfied with his situation.
“Billy has been pushing and pushing since he made his breakthrough last season against a high-level opponent. “
SMITH BACK IN TRAINING
Hearts star Michael Smith has been re-completed after an era of isolation.
The 32-year-old missed the Jambos Championship clash with Dundee while following Covid’s protocols with his family.
Defender Smith, who signed a new contract for a year last week, missed the 3-1 loss at Dens Park.
However, he resumed his education at Riccarton’s Hearts base and will be in the contest over the capital club’s vacation to face Alloa on Saturday.
The Irish internationalist tweeted recently: “The ninth day of isolation . . . Almost there, he treated him much more than the parents and the dog!!
John Souttar of Scotland also reached the benchmark on his way to recovery after resuming the race.
The 24-year-old broke his Achilles tendon in August and fears having to spend the campaign time.
It’s the 3rd time the unfortunate half-center has suffered the same injury.
However, Souttar is a leader in his recovery and, Heart’s medical staff does not urge him, was back on the lawn for the first time last Friday for a smooth jogging session.
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson relieved after the championship continued while much of Scottish football closed.
He said: “We are very happy to continue. I think football has an important role to play in society in helping others pass. “
“It’s a distraction from what’s going on.
“There is a pandemic and everyone has to be careful, but we also want distractions.
“Football continues for everyone. There’s nothing more than looking forward. “
I’d make JR A HERO
Legendary Romanian manager Mircea Lucescu has revealed that he tried to buy Rangers star Ianis Hagi. . . almost 30 years after signing his outstanding father.
Dynamo Kiev’s boss is now years old and has been directing for 42 years in Romania, Italy, Turkey, Ukraine and Russia.
He signed Gheorghe Hagi when he was on the index of the most sensitive thieves in Serie A Brescia on a primary play for Real Madrid and eventually moved to Barcelona from the Italian club.
And Lucescu, who has been in the index of clubs such as Inter Milan, Galatasaray, Shakhtar Donetsk and Zenit St. Petersburg, as well as Turkey, revealed that he had also tried to point out Hagi junior while claiming credits for encouraging Senior’s outstanding exhibitions. World Cup in Hagi in 1994.
He said: “You can be sure that Ianis will bring out the cause that everyone is waiting for and it will be huge. “
“He bears the immense burden of his name. I had the same scenario with my son, Razvan, and that’s why I looked for him to be a caretator so he wouldn’t be compared to me.
“Ian is a coach like me in his previous career who knew how to paint with a young skill like him.
“I tried to point it out, but it was too expensive and I couldn’t.
“Let’s not say his father Gheorghe Hagi’s performances with Romania at the U. S. World Cup were because of me.
“I took him to Brescia from Real Madrid and humiliated him, called him fat and relayed him to the reserve to see if his pride was content with that.
“And the effects were his in America. “
I’LL KEEP PLAYING SCOTT.
Derek McInnes insists he would have no qualms about Scott Wright, even if the winger files a prior contract with the Rangers.
Aberdeen boss Del showed Gers’ interest in 23-year-old Steven Gerrard, who needs to hire him this month.
But while no agreement can be reached between the two clubs and Wright sees the season at Pittodrie, McInnes says he will be a key component of his plans.
McInnes said: “Wherever it ends, Rangers are one of those who have shown interest.
“To me, he’s a key player on the team.
“Like everything else, in an ideal world, get a smart offer for him from anywhere, whether it’s Rangers or anyone else and we move on and get anything in exchange for all our paintings with Scott.
“He’s been at the club since he was 8 years old and that would be the most productive situation for everyone.
“But at the same time, he’s a key player and if we don’t get a smart offer, then he’s a component of the team that we have to pay attention to to achieve what we need to achieve. “
“This will have to be a smart offer for us. It has to be an offer that fits us. “
ABOUT 55
Rangers can win the name in March . . . CELTIC PARK.
Steven Gerrard’s team is at stake after taking a 21-point lead over their rivals.
Celtic’s hopes of being ten in a row are over and Gers is now elected champion.
And after ten years of injuries, it may be an even milder time for Ibrox.
SunSport is likely to know when Rangers can win the trophy.
Full story HERE
HENDO STAY PUT
Celtic won’t remember having compatibility advocate Jack Hendry this month.
The Scottish cap has been ceded for a while at KV Oostende.
And the Celts desperately want a defensive policy after Christopher Jullien’s long-term injury.
The hoops were also decimated by covid-19’s positive case of the cap, with thirteen self-insulated players.
But Hendry will not respond to the SOS after not being able to insert a January retirement option into the loan agreement, according to the Daily Star.
Former Dundee Hendry ace, 25, still has a year left on his Parkhead contract, but Ostend will permanently indicate.
However, the Belgian team, which holds one of the league’s records this season, faces a tough festival from England and other European clubs.
TOP TABLE
An SPFL assembly is scheduled for clubs tomorrow, according to Raman Bhardwaj of STV.
Clubs are expected to explain their considerations about the timing of the Scottish Government’s monetary package.
It is also the idea that some lower league clubs are armed with questions after the suspension of football under the league for 3 weeks.
– Raman Bhardwaj (@ramanbhardwajTV) January 12, 2021
BEST FAN
HOMER, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie . . . Jackson Irvine?
I probably wouldn’t know who he is and what game he plays.
But now he’s The Simpsons’ favorite player, Tim Long.
How come?
Thanks to some work through Moe Szyslak on his leg.
Jack Ross received the signing of the loose agent this afternoon and, in doing so, has now recruited a new member for the Hibees family.
FULL STORY HERE
LAST LAFF
Former Rangers and Hearts forward Kyle Lafferty is in for a new club after leaving Reggina.
The foreigner from Northern Ireland is going to be released after getting an agreement to leave the Italian club.
One on the official Reggina’s online page said: “President Luca Gallo and Reggina announce that they have reached an agreement with player Kyle Lafferty for early consensual termination of the contract.
“Thanking Kyle for his professionalism, Reggina wishes him a sporting fortune. “
Who are you?
NEW Hibs star Jackson Irvine has an attractive tattoo.
The Australian has Moe Szyslak from the Simpsons in his calf.
The tattoo was reported through Clyde SSB journalist Andrew MacLean on Twitter.
And The Simpsons writer Tim Long has discovered the message on social media and now says Irvine is his new favorite player.
He wrote, “I don’t know who this guy is or what game he plays, but now he’s my favorite player. “
– Tim Long (@mrtimlong) January 12, 2021
BACK WITH A BANG
Scotland Ryan Fraser has been expelled by Newcastle.
Returning from injury, the winger won a red card after 44 minutes against Sheffield United.
He booked twice in a few minutes and won his orders to walk the referee.
BURTON SWOOP
Former Hearts ace Sean Clare sealed an Oxford United transfer to Burton Albion until the end of the season.
The winger who returned to the right will play for the League One team until the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
In statements to Twitter, he said: “Happy to do this and grateful for the opportunity to play. Looking forward to running hard and the ladder. “
Welcome, Sean! Read our new signing on the BAFC club website
???
– Burton Albion FC (@burtonalbionfc) 12 January 2021
COMING SOON MOU-VING
DIEGO SIMEONE has shown that Atletico Madrid is close to signing Lyon player Moussa Dembele himself.
The former Fulham and Celtic goalkeeper will be Diego Costa at Wanda Metropolitano.
Dembele is expected to sign an initial loan agreement with a permanent option of 29. 6 million pounds.
Speaking about La Liga’s clash of Atletico Madrid with Sevilla on Tuesday, Simeone said: “It is not yet confirmed, but it is very advanced.
“I’m going to turn my head to the game, that’s what interests me, and when something, if anything, I give an opinion.
Atletico Madrid was looking for a new striker after rescinding chelsea Costa’s former star’s contract last month.
FULL STORY HERE
DUFF MAN
Former Celtic coach Damien Duff has noticed his chances of becoming Parkhead’s next coach.
According to Oddschecker, the former coach of the Republic of Ireland is now available in 12/1 to succeed Neil Lennon, rather than his previous 20/1 value.
A series of bets were placed on the Irishman, reducing his value between bookmakers.
Martin O’Neill holds the odds for the position at 5/2 and won 21% of all bets placed on the market.
Eddie Howe is the 4/1 favorite, the same prize as Jack Ross (4/1). Slaven Bilic (12/1) and Gordon Strachan (14/1) followed, then Duff as mentioned.
Oh so happy
FILIP BENKOVIC says he loved his time at Celtic OH. Leuven’s ambition convinced him to move to Belgium.
With Christopher Jullien injured, Parkhead chief John Kennedy’s assistant boss refused to dismiss a move for the Croatian defender, who was loaned on loan to Glasgow this weekend.
The 23-year-old had a bad season with Cardiff, where he only made one appearance in the first part of the season.
But Benkovic says the Belgian team is the best position for him, as he will sign for former Rangers midfielder and Leicester Andy King and his Foxes teammate Josh Eppiah.
He said: “I enjoyed being in Celtic. Me I was very satisfied and had a very smart season, we won the name and two drinks. I’m still very proud of it. “
FULL STORY HERE
GOLPE TRIPLE
DAVID TEMPLETON is one of 3 players who will NOT be included this season for Hamilton.
The former Rangers and the Hearts game creator suffered a serious confrontation with St Johnstone before the season.
And Brian Rice revealed that he, Lewis Smith and Will Collar would be absent for the rest of the campaign.
Marios Ogkmpoe, Brian Easton, Shaun Want, Aaron Martin, Scott Martin and Nathan Thomas are among the other most sensitive sideline holders.
OFFER MADE
Hibs has shown the signature of former Kilmarnock and Ross County star Jackson Irvine.
The Australian foreign midfielder has signed a short-term contract until the end of the season.
Jackson, 27, has been a club since leaving Hull City this summer.
Full story HERE
THE RIGHT WAY TO GET THINGS DONE
Derek McInnes showed the Rangers in Scott Wright.
And he congratulated Steven Gerrard on his business conduct.
Gers’ boss, Gerrard, informed McInnes of his thing yesterday.
Wright is now ready to sign a prior contract with Premiership fugitive leaders.
And McInnes admits that he lost hope of the extreme after talks over a new deal failed.
He said: “There is a verbal exchange at the convention hall level.
“I spoke to Steven yesterday, he called me to tell me that they would have an interest in Scott in a previous contract and that they were looking to get it right.
“This is not the case when players are out of contract.
“We appreciate the Rangers coming out the front door and doing things right.
McInnes added: “I resigned myself to Scott going anyway.
“We made our first offer to Scott the first week of October and never gained any encouragement from Scott or his agent.
“They never gave us a chance to counteroffer, so I’ve resigned myself in the last few months because chances are he’ll leave at the end of the season and nothing has replaced him about it. “
“I think there’s more than one club interested, yet rangers have shown they have an interest in Scott and can do a pre-contact with Scott at any time.
WE KEEP IT
Aberdeen have shown that goalkeeper Gary Woods has completed his short-term loan contract and will remain at the club until the end of the season.
The 30-year-old joined The Oldham Athletic Ligue 2 loan line-up in October 2020 following a pass to Tomas Cerny.
And now you’ll see him in Pittodrie when he replaces Captain and Goalkeeper Number 1 Joe Lewis.
NO DEFENSE
Celtic missed Filip Benkovic’s signing after the defender signed on loan for Belgian OH Leuven.
Last week, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers opened the door for the Croatian defender to return to Parkhead.
Hoops No2 John Kennedy showed it on a January target list as the Celts sought to upgrade the long-term Christopher Jullien jackpot.
But the crisis-stricken champions will have to take a look after Benkovic sealed a move to the Leicester-affiliated club.
What’s going on?
Former Celtic goalkeeper Mark Burchill believes Eddie Howe would be tempted by Parkhead’s position.
Burchill, the Scout leader of Bournemouth, worked hard with Howe during his time at the helm of the club.
Howe was touted as a imaginable replacement for the hoop chief under the Neil Lennon fireplace.
And while Howe’s unemployment remains highly rated in the south, Burchy believes he would move north.
Full story HERE
PATIENCE OF A SAINT
Liam Gordon admits that the explanation for why he has stood firm in St Johnstone is because he is a FAN.
But now yours in Perth is paying off.
The zaguero had to wait his time to have a chance in the team after signing for Heart five years ago.
Now at the age of 24, he signed a new deal a few weeks after the absence of Captain Jason Kerr.
Before tonight’s reorganized match with Dundee United, Gordon said, “It’s a simple resolution because I love betting on the club. I feel like I’ve been faithful.
“In recent years, I probably didn’t have as much football as I imagined. Sometimes it’s like that.
“There were doubts in my brain because you have to play. If I went to another club, I could have played, but it’s another one when it’s the club that means a lot to you, your friends and your family.
“I was in a position for the fight to cement my place. If anything’s worth fighting for, you’re fighting.
“I have believed in myself and now that I have the opportunity, I have to make the most of it.
“We’re currently in a position we’re not in, it’s not smart enough for this club. “
HIBEE DAYS
Hibs is about to complete Jackson Irvine’s signing.
The former Celtic boy has been a club since leaving Hull City this summer.
But now the Australian midfielder is about to pass for a doctor on Easter Road.
Irvine, 27, enjoys the joy of Scottish Premiership by s spent time on loan in Ross County and Kilmarnock.
And Hibs boss Jack Ross hopes to achieve a primary coup through Socceroo’s touchdown on a loose transfer.
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