Saturday's Scottish gossip
Last updated on .From the section Football
SCOTTISH CUP FINAL GOSSIP
Ian Black and Ian Murray have engaged in a bit of pre-cup final banter with Black saying the Hibernian defender is "a boring guy".
The Hearts man was responding to Murray's criticism of a t-shirt worn by Black in a recent Edinburgh derby which featured the message: "I'll paint this place maroon" - a reference to Black's stint as a painter and decorator during Hearts' wage delay problems.
Meanwhile, Black expects to get booked after his first tackle when the two capital sides do battle at Hampden. (Daily Record)
Hibs captain James McPake insists his side are no soft touch despite their recent poor record in derbies. (Daily Record)
Hearts skipper Marius Zaliukas has revealed club owner Vladimir Romanov will give the team their pre-match team talk at the national stadium. (Various)
And Romanov has criticised the decision to play the final in Glasgow rather than Edinburgh.
Hibs fan Andy Murray is showing commitment to his career and pursuit of fitness ahead of the French Open by missing the cup final but brother Jamie will be at Hampden. (Herald)
Manager Pat Fenlon admits the last time he watched Hibs in the Scottish Cup final, he was cheering on their opposition, Celtic.
Hibs striker Eoin Doyle will be first to volunteer to take a spot-kick if the final goes to penalties. (Various)
OTHER FOOTBALL GOSSIP
Prospective Rangers owner Charles Green believes the Ibrox side can win the Scottish Premier League despite their 12-month transfer ban - so long as they keep their best players. (Various)
But Green has warned Rangers fans there could be another "year of pain" before his consortium are able to deliver success.
Meanwhile, Mike McDonald, a former colleague of Green's at Sheffield United, claims he is one of 30 parties willing to put up hard cash for the proposed Ibrox takeover. (Daily Mail)
Ki Sung-Yueng has opened the door for a summer exit from Celtic after revealing he is weighing up his future. (Sun)
Aberdeen manager Craig Brown hopes Mark Reynolds is deemed surplus to requirements at Sheffield Wednesday so he can return to Pittodrie after a successful loan spell this season. (Sun)
OTHER GOSSIP
Scottish golfer Paul Lawrie was pleased to "go through playing poorly" after beating Camilo Villegas at the Volvo World Match-Play Championship. (Various)
