Scottish Gossip: SFA court battle, call for bigger top flight

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

The Scottish FA is concerned that a courtroom battle with Mike Ashley over their ruling on Dave King's suitability to join the Rangers board will cost "a fortune" in legal bills. (Sun)

Kilmarnock manager Gary Locke is calling for an expanded top division, saying it would be more attractive to fans. (Daily Express)

Scotland U21 midfielder Ryan Christie, signed by Celtic and immediately loaned back to Inverness in the summer, will spend at least three weeks of his rehabilitation from a knee injury with the Scottish champions. (Daily Express)

Celtic midfielder Stefan Johansen admits he deserves criticism for some of his displays this season but reckons he is getting back to top form. (Sun)

Rhys Healey, on loan at Dundee from Cardiff, may have kicked his last ball at Dens Park since the striker will be sidelined for up to six weeks with an ankle injury. (Daily Express)

Former Scotland U21 boss Billy Stark believes in-form St Johnstone forward Michael O'Halloran is good enough to earn a place in the senior squad. (Sun)

Is St Johnstone forward Michael O'Halloran good enough to play for Scotland?

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes praises midfielder Peter Pawlett for showing the right attitude to force his way back into the first team. (Daily Express)

Hearts striker Soufian El Hassanaoui has had his return from a knee problem delayed after suffering from a groin strain but manager Robbie Neilson thinks the Moroccan can realise his potential at Tynecastle. (Daily Express)

Andy Robertson is backing some of his Scotland U21 team-mates to follow his lead and step up to Gordon Strachan's senior side. (The National)

Hibs boss Alan Stubbs tells fans they won't see the best of Farid El Alagui until next year as the striker returns from his latest long-term injury. (Various)

Scotland and Bournemouth midfielder Matt Ritchie is a surprise transfer target for Manchester United. (Sun)

QPR have joined Blackburn in the pursuit of Paul Lambert as the English Championship sides search for a new manager. (Sun)

Scotland striker Jane Ross has signed a two-year deal at Manchester City after three seasons in Sweden with Vittsjo. (The National)

OTHER GOSSIP

World Cup referee Craig Joubert, who angered Scotland with a controversial late penalty award in the quarter-final loss to Australia, will be a touch judge in next year's Six Nations visit to Dublin. (Various)

Olympic champion Mo Farah will line up at the Glasgow Indoor Grand Prix on 20 February. (Various)

Jamie Murray admits that it is "risky stuff" to switch doubles partners from next year after a successful season with John Peers. (Herald)

Lee McConnell, Scotland's most decorated athlete of the past decade, believes drug cheats should be hit with financial penalties. (Herald)

And hurdler Eilidh Child thinks banning Russia from the Rio Olympics next year would send out a "strong message" on doping. (Scotsman)