Friday's Scottish gossip

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Police will monitor social media and deploy extra officers in and around Glasgow as Celtic and Rangers meet for the first time in almost three years in Sunday's Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden. (The Scotsman)

Known domestic abuse offenders will get a knock on the door from police in a bid to stop violence sparked by Sunday's Old Firm clash, with extra officers drafted in across Scotland to stop home attacks fuelled by the first derby since April 2012. (Daily Record)

Rangers have resolved a dispute with their players over their personal ticket allocation for Sunday's Scottish League Cup semi-final. (The Herald)

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes Celtic could play blindfolded and still hammer Rangers in Sunday's Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden. (Daily Record)

Former Rangers defender Lorenzo Amoruso admits he has written off the Ibrox side's chances in Sunday's Scottish League Cup semi-final but is still hoping for a shock. (The Herald)

Hamilton defender Stephen Hendrie has agreed a deal with West Ham, reports the Daily Record

Celtic midfielder Stefan Johansen is viewing Sunday's Scottish League Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden as the next step to the domestic treble. (The Scotsman)

Rangers captain Lee McCulloch believes there is no reason the Scottish Championship side cannot defeat reigning national champions Celtic in Sunday's League Cup semi-final. (Daily Express)

Former Rangers striker Nacho Novo has branded the club's board "disgusting" for bringing stricken Fernando Ricksen into a dispute over training facilities. The Spaniard says he has been banned from using them because he backed an anti-board fans group while Rangers say he was only being allowed in to train for Sunday's tribute match for the Dutchman. (Daily Record)

Rangers shareholder Dave King will arrive in Scotland from South Africa on Saturday and will hold talks about ousting the club's board during his eight-day stay. (The Sun, print edition)

Rangers goalkeeper Steve Simonsen has responded to betting charges brought against him by the Scottish FA and his case will be heard by the judicial panel on 12 February. (Daily Record)

Saturday's Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden will be played in front of the biggest crowd for a Aberdeen and Dundee United game for 58 years. (Daily Record, print edition)

Associating his company name with Scottish sport's two most famous brands via this weekend's Scottish League Cup semi-finals is an experiment in raising profile Richard Branson-style according to Alan McLeish, the multi-millionaire owner of QTS. (The Herald)

Ross County have had a bid rejected for Queen of the South midfielder Ian McShane, says the P&J

Dundee United have told Burnley and Celtic they will have to increase their offers - of around £1.5m - substantially if they want to sign midfielder Stuart Armstrong, with the Tannadice club valuing the 22-year-old at more than £2.2m. (Daily Express)

Hamilton Academical right-back Stephen Hendrie has signed a pre-contract agreement to join West Ham United when he becomes a free agent in the summer. (Daily Record, print edition)

Ross County have had a five-figure bid rejected by Queen of the South for 22-year-old midfielder Ian McShane. (Press and Journal)

Businessman Les Hutchison will today complete his takeover of Motherwell as the club continue their move towards fan ownership. (Daily Record, print edition)

Hibernian chairman Rod Petrie has rejected claims that debate over a proposed share plan had been stifled at Hibernian's annual meeting and accused one supporters' group of "aggressive guerrilla tactics" against "key figures" at the club. (The Scotsman)

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson is confident that he will not lose any of his players over the closing days of this transfer window. (The Scotsman)

OTHER GOSSIP

Judy Murray will not be at the Rod Laver Arena to watch her son, Andy, go for glory in Sunday's Australian Open final as she flew out of Melbourne after the semi-final to prepare to captain Great Britain's Fed Cup women in Hungary next week. (Daily Record)

Hundreds of golfers have been left devastated after the 18 hole Castle Park Golf Club in Gifford, East Lothian, suddenly announced plans to shut, raising fears that other courses could follow as the sport's popularity continues to decline. (The Herald)

Boxer Willie Limond will make the first defence of his British light-welterweight title against mandatory challenger Chris Jenkins at the Motorpoint Arena, in Sheffield, on 28 March. (The Herald)