Rumour Mill: Hibs close in on Henderson | Novo seals Glentoran switch | Jordan Larsson rubbishes Rangers link

Liam Henderson could be on his way back to Easter Road. Picture: Getty Images

Hibs close in on Henderson

HIBERNIAN are reportedly closing in on a permanent deal for Celtic midfielder Liam Henderson.

The 20-year-old, who was instrumental in Hibernian’s Scottish Cup victory over Rangers in May, could team up again with Neil Lennon, who brought the youngster through at Celtic, after Hibs made an official approach.

Henderson spent last season on loan at Easter Road, becoming a firm favourite with the fans. (Various)

Novo seals Glentoran switch

FORMER Raith Rovers, Dundee and Rangers striker Nacho Novo has signed a one-year deal with Danske Bank Premiership outfit Glentoran.

The 37-year-old Spaniard will team up with former Ibrox coach Alan Kernaghan after a spell in the second tier of US football with Carolina Railhawks. (The Scotsman)

Larsson’s son laughs off bogus Gers rumours

JORDAN Larsson, son of Celtic legend Henrik Larsson, has laughed off rumours linking him with a move to Rangers.

The 19-year-old Helsingborgs posted a message about the rumours, which had been started by fans of the Ibrox club on Twitter.

Larsson tweeted: “Me? Signing for Them? Are u having a laugh? #getouttahere.” (Daily Record)

Watt out to bin bad boy image

TONY Watt is at a loss to explain his bad-boy image but the new Hearts striker is intent on altering perceptions before the latest campaign is done.

He was hailed as the next big thing after netting the winner against Barcelona but since then he has been dogged by negativity, with coaches at club and international level questioning his fitness levels and his attitude.

“I think it’s unwarranted but people talk, that’s just a part of life,” Watt said. “Everyone is talking about this bad-boy reputation. I don’t know where that has come from. I’m here to work. I went to Belgium to try to kick on but I think it’s here that it will start.” (The Scotsman)

Faddy lands ‘Well assistant role

JAMES McFadden has been appointed player-assistant manager of Motherwell, replacing Stephen Robinson who left to manage Oldham.

The 33-year-old re-signed for the club and got the all-clear to play yesterday after a troublesome ankle injury.

McFadden said: “I started my playing career here so it’s fitting I start my coaching career here too. Everyone knows what the club means to me, it’s a special place for me.” (The Scotsman)

O’Connell set to start in Astana

CELTIC youngster Eoghan O’Connell looks set to start against Astana in Kazakhstan this afternoon, as Brendan Rodgers looks to address a defensive crisis.

The Cork-born stopper could slot into the Celtic defence as Brendan Rodgers is without Erik Sviatchenko, Dedryck Boyata, Jozo Simunovic, Kolo Toure and Kristoffer Ajer.

However, Toure has been added to the Hoops’ Champions League squad and could line up against the Kazakh outfit next week. (Various)

Staggies’ shock cup exit

HOLDERS Ross County are out of the League Cup after losing 3-2 to League One outfit Alloa at the Indodrill Stadium.

County, who beat Hibernian in last season’s final, went 2-0 down after just 12 minutes after strikes from Jordan Kirkpatrick and Jon Robertson, but levelled the tie on 21 minutes thanks to goals from Michael Gardyne and Alex Schalk.

But Calum Waters was the hero for the Wasps, slamming the ball home after good work from Scott Taggart. (The Scotsman)

Hibs send letters to fans over cup final pitch invasion

HIBERNIAN are sending out letters to some fans asking them to attend meetings regarding the Scottish Cup final pitch invasion.

The letters, sent out by Easter Road security chief Robert McGregor, warns fans that theur ‘membership has been placed on hold’ and requesting that they ‘arrange an appointment to discuss any involvement’ in the events after full time at Hampden. (Various)

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Norwich City have made a bid of up to £12m plus add-ons for Fulham’s Scottish striker Ross McCormack

• Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has banned junk food from the Etihad as he seeks to make sure his players are fit for the new season

• Ex-Hibs striker Clayon Donaldson has tipped the Easter Road side to win promotion this season