Scottish Gossip: Old Firm, Rangers, Celtic, Andy Murray

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Rangers will reject the offer of a two-match ban made to defender Rob Kiernan for an alleged punch on St Johnstone's Steven Anderson during Wednesday's 1-1 draw in Perth. (Daily Record)

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers insists going to Ibrox to face Rangers on Saturday holds no fears for his side. (National)

Rodgers says Scotland should be proud of the Old Firm match, saying: "It has always been a great game for people throughout the world." (Herald)

And Rodgers wants fans to enhance the reputation of the lunchtime New Year's Eve derby. (Daily Mail)

Rangers boss Mark Warburton has reminded his players to enjoy the occasion of the Old Firm meeting with Celtic. (National)

Rodgers and Warburton are preparing for their third meeting of the season

"Score more goals then them," is Warburton's simple advice to his team ahead of the derby, adding: "We have to be more clinical." (Herald)

Midfielder Andy Halliday admits Rangers have failed to earn the status they crave as genuine Premiership title contenders this season, with the side 16 points off leaders Celtic. (Scotsman)

Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko believes Rangers are gripped by fear ahead of the teams' third meeting of the season. (Sun)

Kris Doolan, 30, is poised to make his 300th Partick Thistle appearance when they meet Kilmarnock on Saturday. (Evening Express)

Doolan scored in Thistle's 2-0 win over Dundee in midweek

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes, whose side beat Hearts 1-0 on Friday to move to within two points of second-placed Rangers, insists he does not need to spend big to pip the Ibrox side to the runners-up spot this season. (Daily Record)

Hibernian visit Falkirk on Saturday seeking to return to the top of the Championship and Easter Road stalwart Lewis Stevenson says winning the division and promotion may top this year's Scottish Cup triumph. (Scotsman)

Stoke midfielder Charlie Adam was quick to acknowledge the knighthood for tennis player and fellow Scot Andy Murray.

Former England manager Roy Hodgson has emerged as a candidate to replace under-pressure Norwich manager and Scot Alex Neil. (Daily Mail)

RUGBY UNION GOSSIP

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend says Stuart Hogg's start at fly-half away to Benetton Treviso on Saturday is an opportunity to assess whether he should be the back-up number 10 for the Champions Cup meeting with Munster in January. (Scotsman)