Saturday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Hearts manager John McGlynn has received his overdue wages but admits the club will continue to struggle to find money to cover salaries. (Daily Mail)

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has been cleared to buy a stake in Rangers, according to Ibrox chief executive Charles Green. (Daily Record / Daily Express)

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is warning his players that anyone underperforming against St Mirren today faces the axe for Tuesday's trip to Barcelona. (Various)

Dundee United boss Peter Houston reckons the big game atmosphere can help his team can regain their early season form against Aberdeen today. (Various)

And striker Johnny Russell insists he can handle the pressure of ending Dundee United's four-game run without a goal in the league. (Various)

Hibs forward Eoin Doyle says he is benefitting from extra gym sessions and has bulked up since arriving last season from Irish football. (Various)

Barcelona's Gerard Pique will almost certainly miss Celtic's visit to the Nou Camp through injury, joining regular defensive partner Carlos Puyol on the sidelines. (Sun)

Celtic's Charlie Mulgrew is urging team-mates Victor Wanyama and Gary Hooper to follow his example and agree new terms with the Scottish champions. (Daily Record)

Scotland international Mulgrew also reckons Scottish talent is being stunted as youth coaches put too much emphasis on winning, rather than technique. (Various)

Former Rangers midfielder John Fleck has been cleared to play for Coventry just a week after fearing he had fractured his skull. (Sun)

Scotland international James McFadden is poised to sign a short-term deal with Sunderland. (Scotsman)

Scotland will drop to 70th in the Fifa world rankings - outr worst standing in more than seven years. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Former world champion Scott Harrison continues his comeback as he headlines at Glasgow's Kelvin Hall on 1 December. (Daily Express)

Scotland's cricketers were denied a win in their latest tour match in South Africa; a three-day encounter with North West Dragons being settled on the last ball. (Various)