A select round-up of the latest news surrounding Mark Warburton’s Glasgow Rangers and Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops.
Celtic’s Nir Bitton
A report in the Daily Mail has claimed that Nir Bitton could be one of the first players to leave Celtic this summer as Brendan Rodgers prepares to cut the numbers within his squad.
The Mail reports that the Hoops plan to get rid of as many as 12 players before the window shuts, and the Israeli could well be one of them.
He could be followed out the Parkhead door by Liam Henderson, but only temporarily, as the Daily Record reports that Neil Lennon wants to bring the midfielder to Hibernian on loan.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Easter Road, and was handed his first-team debut for the Bhoys when Lennon was in charge, so could well be interested in making a return.
Kolo Toure
Meanwhile, Kolo Toure will be available for the second-leg of Celtic’s Champions League third qualifying round tie with Astana after being registered for the clash, The Scottish Sun reports.
The veteran defender could have been made a wildcard for the first-leg but Brendan Rodgers opted to leave him out due to his fitness levels, The Scottish Sun adds.
Rangers’ Ryan Hardie in action with Celtic’s Eoghan O’Connell
Rangers forward Ryan Hardie has joined Scottish Championship side St Mirren on loan until January, STV reports.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a highly successful spell at Raith last season where he scored six goals in just 10 league games.
Wes Foderingham has admitted that Rangers’ squad from last season may have struggled at the highest level without the summer signings that Mark Warburton has made, the Evening Times reports.
“We’re blessed with fantastic quality throughout the squad. What you could say last season is that we didn’t have players who had been there and done it at the top level,” he told the Evening Times.
Joey Barton
One of those summer signings, Joey Barton, has already had a major impact on the team, according to Foderingham. The goalkeeper told the Evening Times that he has taken little time to make an impression amongst the squad.
“From day one he’s been very vocal and has been fantastic for all the boys. All the boys have been saying the same thing – that it’s great to have him on board,” he told the Evening Times.
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