Scottish Gossip: Celtic boss happy, Hearts defender linked with move

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Celtic are in pole position to progress in the Champions League after beating Qarabag 1-0 in the first leg, says manager Ronny Deila, who reserved special praise for central defenders Dedryck Boyata and Virgil van Dijk. (Various)

Kairat top-scorer Gerard Gohou has been ruled out of today's Europa League qualifier with Aberdeen through injury. (Sun)

Hearts defender Jordan McGhee, 19, is attracting interest from Ipswich. (Daily Record)

Dundee United need players to leave before they can afford any more new recruits, explains manager Jackie McNamara. (Various)

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright reckons a fifth consecutive top six place may be tough to achieve since rival clubs are spending more than in the past to strengthen. (Various)

Midfielder Morgaro Gomis says Hearts will be chasing cup glory this season having achieved their sole aim of promotion last term. (Various)

The Blue Pitch Holdings group insist they will not be forced out of Ibrox after Rangers took steps to remove their voting rights as shareholders. (Daily Record)

St Mirren boss Ian Murray, who left Hibs for Rangers as a player, thinks Scott Allan is in an impossible position after handing in a transfer request and says the Easter Road club would be best backing down and selling the midfielder to their rivals. (Herald)

Queen of the South are weighing up a move for former Ross County defender Steven Saunders. (Daily Record)

Ousted Livingston chairman Gordon McDougall has been banned from entering Almondvale Stadium. (Various)

Released Motherwell defender Fraser Kerr is on trial with Oldham. (Daily Express)

The Scottish FA has thrown its weight behind Michel Platini's bid to become Fifa president. (Various)

OTHER GOSSIP

Scrum-half Greig Laidlaw insists the Scotland squad has no problem with New Zealand-born John Hardie being parachuted straight into the pool of players preparing for the World Cup. (Various)

Glasgow Warriors will install a covered all-seater West Stand at Scotstoun to replace the standing terracing. (Various)