We Must Improve

Nacho Novo has called on Rangers to bring in a new midfielder to replace injured star Barry Ferguson.

Gers skipper Ferguson is set to miss the first three months of the season after undergoing ankle surgery earlier this month.

Novo admits losing Ferguson is a major blow to the side and he believes the Glasgow giants need to bring in a quality signing to provide cover for Ferguson.

"Barry is a right-sided midfielder and we don't have anyone," Novo told the Sunday Mail.

"We have Charlie Adam but he's left-sided just like Kevin Thomson so we need someone else.

Injuries

"We've picked up a few injuries and there aren't many players left. DaMarcus Beasley and Barry have picked up knocks and are important players.

"It's a big squad and we'll do everything we can to compensate because we need to be ready for the European qualifiers.

Celtic defender Caldwell is now an established international

Celtic defender Gary Caldwell has said he is keen to play for the Glasgow club for the remainder of his career.

The 25-year-old Scotland international, signed by Gordon Strachan from Hibernian, is entering the final year of a three-year contract.

Caldwell said: "If I was to stay at Celtic all of my professional life I would think that was great.

"The situation is outside my control an ... Read more »

Fernando Screpis is on his way out at Hearts after five appearances

Hearts' Argentine midfielder Fernando Screpis claims the club have cancelled his contract, despite agreeing a three-and-a-half year deal a year ago.

New Tynecastle manager Csaba Laszlo is reducing his playing squad and Screpis appears to be an early casualty.

Screpis told the Evening News: "I am sad to leave but I don't think I was given enough chances in the team. I don't think I was treated fairly.

< ... Read more »

McGeady was a star performer for Celtic last season

Celtic midfielder Aiden McGeady has signed a five-year contract with the Scottish champions.

The new deal improves on the four-and-a-half-year extension agreed with the 22-year-old Republic of Ireland international in February 2007.

In April, McGeady was voted both Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year by his fellow professionals.

"We are delighted that he has committed his long-term future to the club," said chief ... Read more »

Balde played just four games for Celtic last season

Celtic will allow defender Bobo Balde to leave on a free transfer, if he can find a suitable deal elsewhere.

The 32-year-old Guinea international has a year of his contract to run but has not been a first team regular under manager Gordon Strachan.

Bolton were keen on the centre half in January but Balde picked up an injury at the African Nations Cup.

This time last year, Balde turned down an approach from Sunderland, who were prepared to pay ... Read more »

Maguire is hoping to start more matches for Aberdeen

Aberdeen striker Chris Maguire has signed a contract extension to remain at the club until 2011.

The 19-year-old signed for the Dons in January 2005 and made his first-team debut against Celtic in May 2006.

Maguire told the club website: "There's no better place to learn than here and my main objective is to establish myself as a first-team regular."

The teenager scored four league goals in 14 appearances last season and featu ... Read more »

SPL chairman Gold is pleased with the new initiative

BBC Gaelic will show full match coverage of one SPL game every Saturday night over the next two seasons.

The new deal, in collaboration with MNE Media, will see the selected games shown as-live, about three hours after the final whistle.

The new Gaelic channel will launch on Friday 19 September.

SPL chairman Lex Gold said: "This is an interesting initiative and one that we hope will make the new BBC digital channel attractive to vi ... Read more »

Skipper Berra will miss the trip to Northern Ireland

Hearts captain Christophe Berra has not travelled with the squad for Monday's pre-season friendly against Glentoran.

The 23-year-old defender picked up an ankle injury in training and will miss the match at the Oval in Belfast.

However, the Scotland international is expected to recover in time for Wednesday's friendly against Dunfermline at East End Park.

Berra, who made his Scotland debut in June, has recentl ... Read more »