Paul Heckingbottom responds to Rangers’ interest in Graeme Mathie

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Rangers reportedly want to bring Graeme Mathie to Ibrox.

Rangers are reportedly keen to snatch Hibernian scout Graeme Mathie – and Hibs boss Paul Heckingbottom has offered his view on the situation.

The Gers landed a new director of football this week, with Southampton’s Ross Wilson agreeing a move to Ibrox, replacing Mark Allen following his exit last month.

Rangers do have a chief scout in place in Andy Scoulding, but Wilson may yet add another talent spotter to the mix ahead of the January transfer window.

The Scottish Sun report that Wilson wants to bring ex-Celtic scout Mathie to Ibrox, having seemingly been impressed with his work over the years.

However, Mathie is also believed to be a target for Kilmarnock as they seek a director of football, meaning the 36-year-old is a man in demand right now.

With Hibs no doubt keen to keep Mathie, boss Heckingbottom has told The Scottish Sun has admitted that he has been ‘great’ at Easter Road, and whilst there is truth in the Kilmarnock rumour, he isn’t sure whether there’s anything in the Rangers story yet.

Heckingbottom said ‘we will have to wait and see’ whether Mathie stays put or moves on, but believes there is no issue as Mathie loves working for Hibs and wants to work at Easter Road rather than head to Ibrox.

“Graeme has been great while I have been here,” said Heckingbottom. “I’m not saying there isn’t truth in it, there is certainly some truth in the Kilmarnock thing — whether there is in the Rangers one, I don’t know. But until things happen or there are decisions to be made, it is pointless worrying about it. It’s like the speculation you get with players. A lot of it is just talk. We will have to wait and see.”

“Graeme loves this club and he has never once tried to angle for a move away. If people think he is doing a good job and they approach the club, that’s a different matter. But it’s not being drummed up in any shape or form for Graeme to get a benefit out of it. He loves it here. He wants to work here,” he added.