Scottish Gossip: Champions League, Kieran Tierney, Alan Stubbs

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster will join the fight to protect Scotland's pathway to the Champions League next week, meeting with Uefa chiefs and other concerned associations. (Daily Record)

Hearts are to announce the signing of USA international midfielder Perry Kitchen later today. (Sun)

Hearts have agreed to pay for Partick Thistle supporters' buses for Saturday's trip to Tynecastle after the original game was postponed just two hour before kick-off. (Various)

Teenage full-back Kieran Tierney says Emilio Izaguirre has been nothing but encouraging even though they are rivals for the same spot in the Celtic starting XI. (Various)

Tierney, 18, is happy to remain with the Scotland U19s as he is linked with a call-up to the senior squad for this month's friendly matches. (Various)

Midfielder Kenny McLean believes Aberdeen are capable of winning their remaining 11 league matches but is unsure if that would be enough to catch leaders Celtic. (Various)

Rangers are now five wins away from clinching the Championship title, with manager Mark Warburton praising his side's "ruthless" streak. (Various)

Hibs boss Alan Stubbs was "baffled" by a third consecutive league defeat at Queen of the South, saying his side "controlled the game and had good chances". (Various)

And there is further bad news for Hibs, with defender Paul Hanlon ruled out of the League Cup final due to a thigh strain. (Various)

Manager Mark McGhee believes defender Louis Laing is deserving of his chance to impress in the first team after "coming out of his shell". (Herald)

Defender Julen Etxabeguren believes Dundee learned a harsh lesson on their last visit to Celtic Park and is confident there will be no repeat of that 6-0 thrashing tonight. (Sun)

Manchester City defender Jenny Beattie will have to wait for her 100th Scotland cap after pulling out of next week's friendly with Spain due to a back injury. (The National)

OTHER GOSSIP

Head coach Gregor Townsend reckons Glasgow Warriors will need to win at least seven of their remaining nine matches to land a home semi-final in the Pro12 play-offs. (Herald)