Aston Villa Eye Raskin as Celtic Plan Back Four Switch
Aston Villa remain interested in Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, while Celtic will revert to a back four against Motherwell and Hearts teenagers prepare for first-team action.
Aston Villa continue to track Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, with sources close to the Belgium international suggesting a move to the Premier League is likely next year. Rangers rejected a £12m bid from Hull City for Raskin during the summer transfer window.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill will switch to a back four for Sunday's match against Motherwell, abandoning the back three used in the recent Old Firm derby. The change was described as a one-off tactical adjustment to match Rangers' shape.
Kilmarnock coach Kirk Broadfoot has praised 20-year-old Bailey Rice, who is on loan from Rangers, and expects him to become an asset for the Ibrox club. Meanwhile, former Celtic striker Gary Hooper believes a single goal could ignite forward Kasper Hogh's Celtic career.
Sweden manager Kim Kallstrom defended his squad's procedures after Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren was among five players sent home from camp due to a sickness bug. Former Celtic striker Kelechi Iheanacho, now at Bursaspor, said he joined a tough league after rejecting a new deal with the Scottish champions. He has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in eight matches for the Turkish second-tier side, who are joint top.
Heart of Midlothian's 18-year-old summer signings, Aron Benjaminsen and Leart Kabashi, will begin pushing for competitive game time after the international break. Hearts duo Malachi Fagan-Walcott and Oisin McEntee are fit to return against St Mirren this weekend. Hearts' upcoming Conference League opponents, Nordsjaelland, lost 3-0 in a friendly against Malmo before facing Odense on Friday.
Aberdeen's Alex Briedl credits manager Stephen Robinson's belief for the club's revival. Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin was pleased defender Iurie Iovu gained game time with Moldova. Dundee head coach Steven Pressley is assessing trialists to address an injury-hit squad. St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari defended allowing Jack Baird to join Raith Rovers despite Zach Mitchell's injury leaving the Perth side short of defensive cover. The Scottish FA appointed Graeme Mathie as head of football strategy, operations and performance.
Image: The Courier / BBC Sport
