Scottish Gossip: 'Celtic are better than Molde', Hearts bans

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Assistant manager John Collins insists Celtic are a better side than Molde despite two Europa League defeats to the Norwegians. (Various)

David Moyes, sacked by Real Sociedad yesterday, has been installed as the favourite to replace Ronny Deila at Celtic by several bookmakers. Daily Record

Scotland midfielder Robert Snodgrass played an hour for Hull City reserves last night, his first appearance in 15 months after a serious knee injury. (Various)

Hibernian must resist any January offers for top scorer Jason Cummings if they want to win promotion, says fellow forward James Keatings. (Various)

Hearts have given lifetime bans to 10 young supporters following incidents at a recent home game with Ross County. Daily Record

Hearts aim to extend midfielder Arnaud Djoum's contract beyond January and are in talks with Igor Rossi and Osman Sow about new deals. (Daily Record)

Cummins has scored six goals for St Johnstone this season

St Johnstone striker Graham Cummins could be facing six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring strain. (Sun)

And Saints left-back Brian Easton believes the current Perth team is stronger than the 2014 Scottish Cup-winning side. (Various)

Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson defends the sale of Andy Robertson, Ryan Gauld, Gary Mackay-Steven, Stuart Armstrong and Nadir Ciftci over the last 16 months and says he will back new manager Mixu Paatelainen in the January transfer window. Herald

St Mirren are refusing to even consider being dragged into the Championship relegation battle says skipper Steven Thompson. (The National)

Scotland will drop out of the top 50 in the next month's Fifa rankings. (Daily Record)

OTHER GOSSIP

Captain Greig Laidlaw says the controversial last-minute Australia penalty that knocked Scotland out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stage will "live with him forever". (Daily Mail)

Andy Murray is ready to withdraw from the ATP World Tour finals if his back plays up after practicing on clay in preparation for the Davis Cup final. (Daily Record)

Glasgow will not face World Cup star Dan Carter when they meet Racing Metro on Saturday since the New Zealand stand-off is still resting in his homeland. (Daily Express)

Glasgow hooker Pat McArthur says togetherness and hard work can be their trump card as they bid to reach the knockout phase in Europe for the first time. Scotsman