Saturday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Motherwell have chosen Ian Baraclough as their new manager. The 44-year-old former Sligo Rovers boss will watch today's game against Ross County then take over, with current caretaker Kenny Black acting as his assistant. (Daily Express)

Rangers manager Ally McCoist remains tight-lipped on his decision to serve his notice after three-and-a-half years in charge. (Various)

The head of Rangers youth academy Jimmy Sinclair is set to be the next victim of Ibrox cuts - and his impending exit may have had an influence on Ally McCoist's decision to offer his resignation. (Daily Express)

Former Rangers skipper Barry Ferguson says of his old team-mate: "It will break his heart but if he's decided to go it must be now". (Daily Record)

Another former Rangers star - goalkeeper Andy Goram - says "boardroom plotting against him" and staff redundancies have cut Ally McCoist to the quick. (Sun)

Ally McCoist cancelled the players' planned Christmas party in Leeds after last night's 2-0 defeat at Queen of the South. (Sun)

Rangers Supporters' Association secretary Drew Roberton reckons fans will be forever grateful for everything Ally McCoist has done for the club. (Daily Express)

Rangers manager Ally McCoist refused to comment on "speculation and rumours" last night

Celtic are bracing themselves for another Uefa fine after a fan let off a flare during Thursday's Europa League defeat at Dinamo Zagreb. (Various)

Celtic boss Ronny Deila hopes to avoid a rematch with Legia Warsaw when the draw for the last 32 in the Europa League is made but insist he does not fear the Polish club, who won 6-1 on aggregate in Champions League qualifying only to be expelled for fielding an ineligible player. (Various)

Former Celtic star Chris Sutton cannot believe his old club have not yet sorted out a new deal for playmaker Kris Commons. (Daily Record)

Midfielder Sammy Clingan thinks Kilmarnock can finish in the top half of the league for the first time in eight years. (Daily Express)

Celtic midfielder Beram Kayal says Israel are no longer picking him for "political reasons". (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Hannah Miley has turned down an invitation to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards on Sunday because she is swimming in the Scottish Short Course Championships in Edinburgh. (Various)

Scotland's cricketers have added two World Cup warm-up matches against group rivals Afghanistan in the UAE next month. (Various)

Scotland's Bradley Neil, the 18-year-old Amateur champion, made the cut at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa. (Various)