Scottish Gossip: Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Ross County, Schalk, Inverness, Aberdeen, Hibernian, Cardiff, Lions

FOOTBALL GOSSIP

Cardiff City are considering offering injured Hearts right-back Callum Paterson a pre-contract agreement having been among clubs linked with the Scotland international during January.(Scottish Sun)

Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce is considering a summer move for Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who he worked with at Hull City but is on loan to Cardiff City. (Daily Mirror, print edition)

Scotland striker Ross McCormack, on loan at Nottingham Forest from Aston Villa, has revealed that his recent absence from training is because of an Achilles injury and surgery to remove five cysts from his jaw that have ended his season.(Nottingham Post)

Defender Charlie Mulgrew is on course to be available for Scotland against England in World Cup qualifying after returning to training with Blackburn Rovers after an ankle ligament injury. (Daily Record, print edition)

Ross County striker Alex Schalk has apologised for the dive that led to a penalty against Celtic - and a two-game ban - saying: "I've seen it back and it's stupid."(Daily Mail)

Former Celtic striker John Hartson believes that naming Don Robertson, who gave a controversial penalty to Ross County against the league champions last weekend, as an assistant at Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers puts too much pressure on the official and he should be withdrawn. (The Scotsman)

Hearts' Callum Paterson is being linked with Cardiff City once more

Ross County manager Jim McIntyre says Alex Schalk is "distraught" by the "unacceptable" dive that handed his side a game-saving penalty against Celtic but has led to a two-game suspension for the Dutch striker.(The Herald)

Former Celtic manager Ronny Deila says he is still haunted by a missed handball in the Scottish Cup semi-final two seasons ago as Inverness Caledonian Thistle ended his dream of a domestic treble. (Daily Record)

Former Celtic striker John Hartson says that, despite Brendan Rodgers' side being superior, they must be wary of Rangers' determination to prevent them winning a domestic treble in Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final.(Daily Record)

Pedro Caixinha faces such a rebuilding job at Rangers that his side will finish no better than third in the Scottish Premiership again next season, according to former Celtic striker John Hartson. (Scottish Sun)

Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha says Celtic winning a potential domestic treble - and their 40-game unbeaten domestic record - will not enter his thinking ahead of Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final.(The Herald)

Aberdeen forward Niall McGinn has extra motivation for beating Hibernian in Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final because the Edinburgh side's head coach, Neil Lennon, dropped him from his Celtic side while manager there. (The Scotsman)

Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor is reportedly interesting Aston Villa

Maurice Malpas, who has rejoined the Inverness Caledonian Thistle coaching staff, says he could not resist the SOS call from manager Richie Foran and believes he can help the side avoid relegation from the Scottish Premiership.(Scottish Sun)

Hearts head coach Ian Cathro insists he is targeting a side filled with homegrown talent despite importing nine players during the January transfer window. (Deadline News)

Hearts owner Ann Budge has offered a seven-day holiday on her "Queen of Hearts" luxury yacht as a prize in a player of the year auction.(Scottish Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

British and Irish Lions legend Ian McLauchlan has lambasted Warren Gatland after only two Scots were named in the squad to tour New Zealand this summer - accusing the coach of "not liking people from Scotland".(The Scotsman)

Attendances in the Elite Ice Hockey League have risen for the fourth year in a row after recording a 12% growth compared to the previous campaign. (The Herald)