Gary Mackay-Steven Signs For Partick Thistle
Partick Thistle have announced the signing of Gary Mackay-Steven on a deal until the end of the season. The ex-Scotland international has been a free agent since leaving Championship strugglers Ross County last month. And Jags manager Mark Wilson believes the signing of his former teammate is a smart piece of business. He told club channels: “Gary is someone I played with at Dundee United and he has always been a supremely talented player. “I got in touch with him recently to find out what his situation was after leaving Ross County and he was very keen to come in and train. “We’re obviously a bit light on numbers at the moment, especially in the wide areas, and Gary represents a very useful option on the wing. “He’s been without a club for about six weeks so he’ll not be match sharp straight away but I can tell he’s eager to contribute as quickly.” Partick Thistle are just five points off leaders St Johnstone with six games of the Championship season remaining before the play-offs. The former Celtic and Aberdeen wide man could be in line for a debut as early as tomorrow evening at home to his previous side Ross County.
Sivert Heltne Nilsen to depart Aberdeen as a Norway return is on the cards
Nilsen is set to complete a move away from Scotland this International break as a switch back to Norway looks likely. Sources in Norway have been suggesting Sivert is on the varge of joining Norwegian side, FK Haugesund ahead of the Norwegian transfer window shutting on Tuesday next week ahead of the season in Norway beginning on the 6th of April. Nilsen joined Aberdeen under former boss, Jimmy Thelin in 2024, joining the Reds’ from Brann where the midfielder originally played under Jimmy during their time in Sweden as Elfsborg. The midfielder missed Aberdeen’s famous Scottish Cup Final victory over Celtic at the summit of last season after picking up a strange eye injury in a training incident which kept the 34-year-old out for some time. Nilsen has been used as a centre-back on multiple occasions as Aberdeen try and battle the injury crisis at the back with most recently playing part at the back in their 2-1 defeat to Celtic at the beginning of March. Nilsen has made 56 appearances for Aberdeen, playing under three bosses during his time – Jimmy Thelin, Peter Leven and Stephen Robinson. The Norwegian International has picked up just two goals during his time in Scotland which both came this season. Nilsen has had some tough competition this season with many arrivals in midfield with the likes of Aremu, Cameron, Geiger all joining the club with the likes of Shinnie and Palaversa also competing for a spot with Nilsen being a regular this season. The move to Haugesund will move Nilsen closer to family with Haugesund being just a two-hour journey from where his live should the move away go through.
Celtic’s injury crisis: How crucial will it be in the hunt for the Scottish Premiership?
Celtic’s injury crisis just got a whole lot worse, as Colby Donovan has now withdrawn from international duty with Scotland’s U21’s after picking up an injury at Tannadice. A terrible season for injuries has got even worse for Martin O’ Neill, as he may be without many key players in the race for the Scottish Premiership. Jota has been missing the whole season, as well as Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers who have been absent for majority of the campaign. Arne Engels and Callum Osmand have had their injury issues. However, the pair are expected back to action shortly. But Kasper Schmeichel’s season is officially over, and loanee right-back Julian Araujo is sidelined as well. Speaking on Araujo, O’ Neill said: “He’s down getting treatment and being rehabbed at Bournemouth. “I’m not sure when he’ll be back, but the extra two weeks could help.” And on the subjects of right-backs, Colby Donovan is the latest injury blow in the Celtic camp. Donovan has withdrawn from Scotland U21 duty, after crashing into the advertisement board at Tannadice on Sunday, which forced him to be substituted. However, it wasn’t a like for like replacement for the young Scotsman. Instead, O’Neill chose to move Reo Hatate to right-back, and later in the match moved winger Yang to the position. It’s another issue for Martin O’ Neill, but the encouragement of Alistair Johnston being called up for international duty, may well give confidence that the Canadian will be fit and able to return shortly. Will these injury blows have an impact on Celtic’s chase for the title?
Stephen Robinson looks to re-unite with former St Mirren man at Pitttodrie
Aberdeen are close to signing former St Mirren defender, Elvis Bwomono due to a defensive crisis in the Granite City. Former St Mirren man Elvin Bwomono looks set to join Aberdeen after being a trialist for Aberdeen in a bounce game against Dundee at Pittodrie yesterday – Aberdeen running out 3-0 winners. Stephen Robinson’s side are keen to sign the defender on a short-term deal until the end of season as the Dons’ look to avoid relegation. Elvis played under Robinson for two years during their time in Paisley which could become the first signing at Pittodrie under the new boss. Bwomono was a key player in the success of the top six finishes in Paisley which saw the Buddies’ return to the European stage. The former St Mirren man most recently had a spell in Iceland which ran out very recently IBV making 10 appearances for the Icelandic outfit. Elvin made 43 appearances in Paisley during his two-year spell as a return to Scotland looks likely for the defender. Aberdeen are having a crisis along the backline with Tobers and McIntrye both missing for the remainder of the season with Knoester also missing but he may return for the final 3 or 4 games in the split. Nicky Devlin is also suffering with a knee injury but may return for the final couple games leaving Stephen Robinson with just Jack Milne, Liam Morrison and Gavin Molloy as his only options in defensive areas. Bwomono is mostly suited at right-back but can also play as a centre-back as Robinson continues to look along the free agent market.
“Playing for Scotland is the pinnacle” – Determined Conway delights at National return
Scotland’s Tommy Conway knew a call-up to Steve Clarke’s March squad would be his “real chance” of achieving a World Cup berth, as the Middlesbrough forward hopes to mirror his domestic form in the National side. His eight league goals have pushed Boro into the automatic promotion spots with just seven games to play in the English Championship. Speaking in camp, Conway revealed that honing his daily habits was the key to breaking into the Scotland squad. “I set myself targets and goals, and I really did commit to the process ever since November, using it as fuel to make sure I got into this one. “I’ve done that, and almost that’s like the first box ticked. The next box to tick is to get to the World Cup, and I’m doing everything I can to get there. Having missed out on Scotland’s rollercoaster World Cup qualification campaign, Conway hopes to bring a “winning mentality” to the National side, backing up his positive form in the English second tier. “I missed out on three camps, and I’d be lying if you don’t start to think, ‘Am I for Scotland anymore? What am I going to have to do to get back into the squad?’ “You have to feel like, ‘I’ve been there before, so why can’t I be there again? “I work every day to achieve targets that I set myself, and playing for Scotland is the pinnacle for me.” “We’re doing well, and I want to bring that winning mentality to Scotland and try and make my mark when I’m away at the international stage,” he added. “I think playing with pressure every week is only going to benefit you and the experience you get from that. “You can then take that into playing for Scotland as well and, when you go to the World Cup, if I make it there, it’s going to be pressure.” Scotland v Japan Barclays Hampden Saturday 28th March 5pm KO
