Celtic eye Swedish sensation, Jack interest after Rangers exit, Hibs sign England C defender - Scottish football news

Hibs sign England C defender

Hibs have signed a second defender in as many days with the capture of Marvin Ekpiteta on a free transfer. The 28-year-old has penned a three-year deal following the expiry of his contract with League One side Blackpool. The 6ft 4in centre-back won promotion with both Leyton Orient and Blackpool and has made over 100 appearances in the Championship and League One. He earned two caps for Nigeria Under-20s and has also featured for England C – the international side made up of non-league players. The Londoner joins fellow centre-back Warren O’Hora in joining Hibs this week. Hibs head coach David Gray said: “Marvin is someone I look forward to working with. He has great experience at a good level in England and adds extra leadership to the dressing room. Physically, he has all the attributes that fit the demands of Scottish football; he’s big, strong, dominant, very athletic, and will be an asset in both boxes. We’re really pleased to bring him to the Club.”

CCV slated after USA defeat

Marvin Ekpiteta has signed a three-year deal with Hibernian. Pic: Alan Rennie

Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has been singled-out for criticism following the USA’s defeat to Panama at the Copa America. The centre-back was brought on as a half-time substitute with match level at 1-1 and the USA down to 10 men following a red card to former Celtic loanee Timothy Weah. Panama went on to claim a 2-1 victory with a goal near the end from Joe Fajardo despite Adalbert Carrasquilla’s red card evening up the numbers. While Carter-Vickers has been a Rolls Royce at the back for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, the American found himself on the end of some stinging criticism following his 45-minute cameo on what was his 18th cap. Ex-Fulham and USA striker Brian McBride told Golazo America: “Across the backline, Antonee Robinson is the only one I give a grade to in this match to be honest. Cameron Carter-Vickers - whatever that lowest grade is we want to give a player, he was poor in the game and almost cost the U.S. before."

Celtic linked with rising star

Celtic have been linked with rising Swedish star Pontus Dahbo. The 18-year-old is reported to be attracting interest from several big European clubs with Celtic among them. The midfielder made his senior debut with BK Hacken last year and has four goals in 20 appearances for the Allsvenskan side. Reports in his homeland rate Dahbo as one of nation's top emerging talents alongside Tottenham-bound Lucas Bergvall. He can operate in several positions across midfield and is valued at around £3.4m.

Hearts reveal plan for duo

Hearts plan to use new signings Blair Spittal and Yan Dhanda in a variety of positions to help unlock Scottish Premiership defences next season. Both players signed pre-contracts to move from Motherwell and Ross County respectively following the expiry of their contracts. Spittal scored 13 and assisted 11 for Motherwell last season while Dhanda contributed 12 goals and 18 assists across two seasons at Ross County. “The two of them are similar in that probably one of their biggest strengths is their flexibility,” he explained to the Edinburgh News. “Blair, being a wee bit older, can play slightly deeper if need be. Both of them, with their intelligence, can play in any of the wider areas, off the top of a striker, or in a flat midfield three. That's the biggest thing they bring - that versatility. They are different players and I also think they are different to the other attacking players we have. The clear message you can see from them is that they are intelligent footballers. They see runs, they see passes, they understand when the game needs to be played quicker and when it's time to keep the ball. That allows them to be versatile players. That's how I see them. I don't necessarily see them as, 'oh, he's just a No.10,' or 'he's a wide player.' We need to decide in each game where they are going to impact things best.”

Jack interest after Rangers exit

Dundee are hoping to sign midfielder Ryan Jack following his release from Rangers. The 32-year-old is on the lookout for a new club after returning from Euro 2024 with Scotland. Dundee boss Tony Docherty revealed he is keen to reunite with the former Aberdeen player having previously worked with Jack during their time together at Pittodrie. When asked if he felt he had a chance of landing Jack, Docherty replied: “I’d love to think so. I love Jack, he’s a fantastic footballer and a brilliant person. But I’ve not had any conversations with Jacko. If you are getting linked with that type of player then…But it’s just speculation.” Dundee are also interested in Ross County striker Simon Murray while defender Rickie Lamie is set for a shock departure despite only joining the Dens Park side from Motherwell this summer. “We are in negotiations with his representatives at the moment,” Docherty confirmed. “There is nothing on that right now, we’ll make a statement on that when we need to.”