Scottish Gossip: Peralta tributes, Budge, Bitton, McGhee

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Ally McCoist has expressed shock over the "heart-breaking" fatal shooting of former Rangers midfielder Arnold Perata in his native Honduras. (Various)

Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton has dismissed "crazy" speculation that he intends to leave the club in the summer for £10m. (Sun)

Hearts owner Ann Budge has told the SPFL: You won't silence me. Budge has expressed surprise that SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster has yet to contact her regarding the League Cup format row. (Various)

St Johnstone striker Steven MacLean is confident they can take advantage of Celtic's Europa League hangover when the sides lock horns at McDiarmid Park on Sunday. (Various)

Ronny Deila insists striker Nadir Ciftci will prove a success at Celtic despite the former Dundee United marksman struggling to make an impact since his move last summer. (Various)

Former Rangers midfielder Arnold Peralta was shot dead in Honduras

Callum Paterson has urged his Hearts team-mates to show their mettle when they face Aberdeen at Pittodrie later. (Various)

Mark McGhee will force himself to watch the draw for the Euro 2016 finals in Paris tonight and be plagued by thoughts of what might have been as Scotland missed out on qualification. (Sun)

Celtic have vowed to identify those supporters responsible for setting off flares during the Europa League encounter against Fenerbahce. (Various)

Aberdeen defender Ash Taylor has spoken publicly for the first time about he and his wife being in Paris during last month's attacks on the French capital.

"I was trying to keep my wife calm - and thankfully we got home safe," he said. (Various)

Ronny Deila must eradicate the same mistakes in Europe and take control of the club's transfer policy if he is to be a success at Celtic, according to the club's former striker Chris Sutton. (Daily Record)

Rangers defender James Tavernier is relishing the prospect of playing in the top flight next season and says he is enjoying life in Glasgow. (Daily Record)

Motherwell midfielder Stephen Pearson says manager Mark McGhee has stepped up their fitness regime as the Steelmen look to move out of the relegation zone. (Various)

Kilmarnock striker Kris Boyd admits his game is more about getting time on the pitch rather than hoovering up the goals. (Various)

Hamilton defender Lucas Tagliapietra hopes goalkeeper Michael McGovern, out of contract at the end of the season, resists a move in the summer. (Express)

OTHER GOSSIP

Gregor Townsend has urged Glasgow to prove they have learned from their previous defeat when they meet Pro 12 leaders Scarlets. (The National)