Highly-Rated Hibs star draws attention from Premier League

Both Nottingham Forest and Leeds are said to be exploring a January bid for 23-year-old Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan. After joining from Dundee in the summer, Mulligan has impressed in David Gray’s midfield, making 24 appearances across all competitions. He has stood out as a consistent performer for the Leith side, registering a goal and three assists so far this season. His eye-catching form earned him a first senior call-up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad in October, where he featured as an unused substitute against Belarus at Hampden. Mulligan could be a vital player for Hibernian as they face a challenging schedule over the Christmas period, which includes difficult away matches at Ibrox and Tannadice, followed by a crucial Edinburgh Derby at Easter Road and a game against Aberdeen.    

McInnes sees “Maturity” from Standout Devlin

Hearts reclaimed their three-point gap at the summit of the Scottish Premiership against Celtic, but Derek McInnes remains fully focused on the next “challenge” as they look to build on their Parkhead victory. Speaking to the media on Wednesday afternoon, the Hearts manager referenced the significance of Sunday’s result. “For us, it was important to try and get back to winning ways. I think we all needed to feel that win again, after being really spoiled with wins. We had loads of wins at the start, and it just became synonymous, and you get used to it, and you become obsessed with winning, which is no bad thing.” The 2-1 triumph over Celtic ended the Jambos’ spell of four straight games without victory. The winless run also erased their eight-point lead at the top of the league. “You have to dig deep and get the result, so I think the whole club needed the win, the support, players, everybody, so it was nice to get that.” “But it’s only three points, and there’s another challenge on Saturday, but the performance last time was what I hoped for, and thankfully, we got the job done. Midfielder Cammy Devlin has been a prominent feature for McInnes in the opening sixteen league games. The manager is pleased that the Australian is receiving “recognition” for his consistency. “I always thought Cammy was a good player, and he’s got to take the credit for the improvements in his game this season,” “I think we’re seeing a lot more maturity in his performances, a lot more leadership, a lot more prominent, not just when he’s on the ball, but I think he’s got big influence, which you want from your centre-midfield players.” “Cammy’s been a player who’s been so consistent, and it’s nice that he’s getting a bit of recognition for that.” “I’d like that recognition to come when he signs his contract a bit more, but it’s nice nonetheless.” Hearts face Falkirk on Saturday evening, looking to extend their lead to six points ahead of champions Celtic.

Wolves 1-4 Man Utd: Amorim’s side impose eighth straight defeat on struggling hosts

Wolves 1-4 Manchester United Bellegarde (45’+2)    Bruno Fernandes (25′, 82′ pen) Mbeumo (51′) Mount (62′) A Bruno Fernandes double inspired Manchester United to a comfortable victory against lowly Wolves, who remain rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table. The visitors opened the scoring in the 25th minute, courtesy of some slack Wolves defending. Casemiro latched onto a loose Andre ball in the home side’s half, the ball was worked from Matheus Cunha to Fernandes, who converted past Sam Johnstone. It was a shambolic goal to concede from the host’s perspective, and set the tone for another difficult Molineux night. Rob Edwards side would reply on the half time mark. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, who could face Scotland in the World Cup next summer for Haiti, turned in a David Moller Wolfe cross to level proceedings. The Red Devils dominated the second period, scoring three goals in a clinical spell. Diogo Dalot exposed Wolves’ high line, and after marauding towards Johnstone’s goal, he squared for the onrushing Bryan Mbuemo to tap home. Mason Mount added a third after the hour mark. Fernandes turned provider, floating a chipped pass to expose the home defence, Mount met the cross, volleying past the helpless Johnstone with his right foot. Fernandes sealed victory in the 82nd minute from the penalty spot. Yerson Mosquera’s handball was rightly penalised by Michael Salisbury, and the United captain finished emphatically in the bottom right corner. The win moves Amorim’s side to sixth place, who have lost one of their previous nine league matches. Wolves remain firmly fixed to the bottom of the Premier League table. New manager Rob Edwards is yet to register a point since his move from Middlesborough last month. Wolves: Johnstone, Mosquera, Agbadou, Toti Gomes (Bueno 70′) Krejcí, Andre, Hoever (Tchatchoua 86′) Moller Wolfe, Arias (Mané 70′) Strand Larsen (Arokodare 69′) Bellegarde (López 54′) Manchester United: Lammens, Mazraoui (Martínez 69′) Heaven (Yoro 69′) Shaw, Amad, Casemiro (Mainoo 78′) Fernandes, Dalot (Dorgu 84′) Mbeumo, Mount (Zirkzee 84′) Matheus Cunha

St Mirren 2-0 Dundee Utd: Saints get first league win in eight

St Mirren 2-0 Dundee United McMenamin (17′) Baccus (66′) St Mirren secured a comfortable home win over Dundee United as they look to climb the table. After a cagey start, it was the home side who broke the deadlock after Declan John’s terrific cross was met by Conor McMenamin, whose bullet header rifled past Dave Richards into the back of the net. This was McMenamin’s first goal of the season. The visitors looked to reply as Zac Sapsford went through on goal, but failed to convert his chance. Summer signing Nikolaj Möller’s close-range header drifted wide for United, as Mikael Mandron’s long range strike was off target for the Saints. St Mirren carried the one-goal lead as referee Nick Walsh signalled for half-time. The second half started like the first, with half-chances for both sides but neither taking their opportunity. Sapsford came close once again, as his free-kick cannoned off the crossbar. However, St Mirren found a break of the ball and Killian Philips’ shot was saved by Richards, but substitute Keanu Baccus ensured he converted the rebound to give the Saints a two-goal lead. This was Baccus’ first goal since returning to the club in the summer. United still found chances in the latter stages of the game, as Craig Sibbald’s effort hit the bar and substitute Amar Fateh couldn’t find a way past Shamal George. St Mirren held out to ensure a clean sheet and all three points as they achieved their first win in eight league matches. With this result, Dundee United sit 8th in the league without a win in six matches. They next host Motherwell in a 3 o’clock kick-off next Saturday. St Mirren found their first win in five matches in all competitions and eight matches in the league. They climb out of relegation playoff position into 9th, as preparation now starts for their mammoth tie versus Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final next Sunday afternoon. St Mirren: George, Fraser, King, Freckleton, McMenamin, Philips, Taylor, Gogic, John, Mandron, Ayunga Subs: Baccus (61’), Dijksteel, Douglas, Idowu, Mooney (82’), Mullen, Nlundulu (68’), Richardson 68’, Tanser (82’) Dundee United: Richards, Iovu, Graham, Kereztes, Strain, Sevelj, Stephenson, Sibbald, Ferry, Möller, Sapsford Subs: Adams, Fatah (46’), Beattie, Cleall-Harding, Dolček (82’), Esselink, Stirton, Trapanovski (82’)

Kilmarnock 0-3 Rangers: Miovski Double Inspires Rohl’s Rangers to Victory

Kilmarnock 0-3 Rangers Miovski (33′, 54′) Moore (81′) Rangers reclaimed 4th place in the Scottish Premiership after a clinical victory at BBSP Rugby Park, pushing Kilmarnock’s losing run to nine games. The visitors were looking to bounce back from consecutive draws and had the game’s first chance. Miovski headed Connor Barron’s free kick straight at Tobi Oluwayemi in the 7th minute. Rangers continued to grow into the match. Djeidi Gassama latched onto a Mohamed Diomande pass in the 14th minute, but flashed his left-footed strike over the bar from a tight angle. Bruce Anderson raced clear of the Rangers’ backline three minutes later. He lifted the ball over the onrushing Jack Butland, but Connor Barron was on hand to clear off the line. Stuart Kettlewell’s side looked structured in their approach; they limited Rangers in the forward areas for much of the first half, drawing belief from the home faithful. That was until the 32nd minute, thanks to Miovski. The Macedonian striker gathered the ball in a crowded box and squeezed a clever left-footed strike past Oluwayemi, who perhaps could have done better with the poked shot. Anderson flashed a half-volley wide of Butland’s goal four minutes later as the home side looked to respond; however, it had been a frustrating half for Kettlewell’s men. Miovski added his second goal of the game in the 53rd minute. Nicolas Raskin drove at the home defence and fed the striker at the back post. After cutting inside, he drilled a low strike past Oluwayemi at his near post. Anderson smashed a low strike towards goal from a Dom Thompson corner kick in the 64th minute, but Scott Tiffoney could not convert. Butland pushed away a Robbie Deas header from the next corner, as the home side attempted to hit back. Barron misjudged a backpass in the final 15 minutes, but Butland was on hand to clear from Anderson’s path. The goalkeeper took plenty of Anderson in his clearance, but VAR took no further action. Substitute Mikey Moore sealed the three points in the 80th minute. The winger scampered infield after turning away from Lewis Mayo and delivered a composed strike into the bottom corner from the centre of the box. Moore thought he had added Rangers’ fourth moments later, after dinking Oluwayemi from a tight angle. But play was rightly brought back for an Emmanuel Fernandez foul in the buildup. Butland produced a low save to deny Tyrece John-Jules in additional time. The victory moves Rangers back to fourth place and level on points with Motherwell in third. They return to Europa League action against Ferencvárosi on Thursday evening. Kilmarnock: Oluwayemi 5 Brown 6 Mayo 5 Deas 5 Thompson 6 Kiltie 6 Polworth 6 Watson 7 Tiffoney 5 Anderson 6 Dackers 7 Substitutes: Lowery 6 John-Jules 6 Brannan 5 Rangers: Butland 7 Aarons 7 Djiga 7 Fernandez 7 Meghoma 7 Raskin 8 Barron 8 Diomande 7 Gassama 7 Miovski 8 Bajrami 6 Substitutes: Curtis 6 Danilo 6 Tavernier 6 Chermiti 6 Moore 7

Hibernian 3-0 Falkirk: Bowie brace helps Hibs return to winning ways

Hibernian 3-0 Falkirk Boyle (36′ pen)   Bowie (41′, 80′) Hibs returned to winning ways on Saturday afternoon as they dismantled Falkirk 3-0 at Easter Road.   A spot kick converted by Martin Boyle and a double from Kieron Bowie ensured that David Gray’s men bounced back from the disappointment of last weekend’s defeat to Celtic and secured an important three points.  The hosts started the game on the front foot and carved out the first chance of the game within five minutes. Jack Iredale burst his way past a few Falkirk defenders whilst driving into the box before forcing Scott Bain into making a save at the near post, who stuck a foot out for a Hibs corner.   Hibs threatened again as Chris Cadden’s fired an effort from eight yards over the bar, following some good play by Martin Boyle and Dan Barlaser on the right-hand side. It was all Hibs in the early stages, and they were inches away from netting the opener shortly before the 20th minute as Chris Cadden was involved as he played an inviting ball across the face of the goal with Falkirk defender Liam Henderson making a vital clearance to prevent Hibs from taking the lead.   A first opportunity of the match for Falkirk fell on the 20th minute with Hibs keeper Raphael Sallinger  doing well to get a hand to Brad Spencer’s effort from outside the box, Man United Loanee Ethan Williams hoped to net from the follow through, but he could only find the side netting from an incredibly tough angle.   Falkirk had struggled to deal with Hibs’ attacking threat so far, with Josh Mulligan in particular proving to be a nuisance for Falkirk to deal with.  Hibs were awarded a penalty kick on the 35th minute, Martin Boyle was clipped by Philip Lissah on his way through to goal after being played through by Josh Mulligan, Lissah was shown a yellow card in the aftermath.  Boyle stepped up from twelve yards out and made absolutely no mistake from the penalty spot as he sent Scott Bain the wrong way, Hibs’ pressure eventually paying off.  A Falkirk free kick was then whipped into the box, which was met by Brian Graham who attempted an ambitious backheel flick as Raphael Sallinger had to be at full stretch to deny the striker. Hibs doubled their advantage on the 40th minute as Kieron Bowie took a touch on the edge of the area before curling a stunning strike into the top corner beyond Scott Bain, giving his side a convincing two goal cushion going into the interval.  With the second half underway, Falkirk made a double substitution for Falkirk, with Alfie Agyeman and Henry Cartwright coming on to replace Brian Graham and Dylan Tait.   At the start of the half, VAR was involved as a check was ongoing, Falkirk felt as though they should’ve had a penalty for a potential handball from Jack Iredale, however replays showed it came off his forearm. The visitors began to show signs of improvement, Falkirk attacker Ethan Ross was lively down the left-hand side, as he cut inside before being denied brilliantly by Raphael Sallinger who tipped over the bar.   Falkirk looked as if they had got one back, when Ethan Ross had the ball in the back off the Hibs net on the 65th minute after calmly slotting the ball past Sallinger, a VAR check would then penalise Ross for being offside and the goal was overturned. An improved second half display from Falkirk would see Hibs limited to very few chances in front of goal, with the Bairns enjoying the better of possession.  With ten minutes remaining, Hibs had a third. Keiron Bowie netted his second goal of the afternoon and secured all three points for David Gray’s men.  It was an instant impact from Josh Campbell as he flew down the right-hand side before fizzing the ball across goal for Bowie, who finished well from close range to cap off an impressive performance from the Hibees. Next up, Hibs travel to Ibrox to face Rangers on Monday 15 December, whilst Falkirk host Hearts at the Falkirk stadium next Saturday.  Hibs: Sallinger,C Cadden, O’Hora, Bushiri, Iredale, Mulligan, Chaiwa, McGrath, Barlaser, Bowie, Boyle. Substitutes: Smith, Hanley, Levitt,88’ Youan,76’ Newell 76’, Hoilett, Mitchell, Megwa,86’ Campbell 76’ Falkirk: Bain, Lissah, Allan, Henderson, McCann, Spencer, Tait, Ross, Williams, Miller, Graham. Substitutes: Hogarth, Hart 76’, Yeats, Agyeman 45’, Edwards, Samuel-Ogunsuyi, Arfield 76’, Wilson 76’, Cartwright,45’

Manchester Utd 1-1 West Ham: Magassa Rescues Point for Hammers at Old Trafford

Manchester United 1-1 West Ham Dalot (58′)      Magassa (83′) Soungoutou Magassa’s first West Ham goal secured his side a valuable point against a blunt Manchester United side, who themselves move to 8th in the Premier League table. The home side went closest in a drab first half. Bruno Fernandes’ half-volley skimmed the post on the half-hour mark after an ambitious Matheus Cunha effort. They eventually took the lead in the 58th minute thanks to Diogo Dalot. Casemiro’s deflected shot landed at the feet of the Portuguese fullback. He slotted past Alphonse Areola from 10 yards after being left unmarked in the West Ham box. The goal looked set to propel Rubin Amorim’s side into the top four, as they aimed to back up their away victory at Crystal Palace a few days earlier. The visitors, however, forced their way back into the game in the final ten minutes through Magassa. Jarrod Bowen’s flick from a corner was cleared off the line by Noussair Mazraoui. But the ball broke for Magassa, who rolled a composed finish past the stranded Senne Lammens. Fernandes nearly secured the victory in injury time, after latching onto Alphonse Areola’s save, he blazed over. The draw was greeted by a chorus of boos from the home faithful, who remained in 8th spot in the Premier League table. West Ham’s resurgence under Nuno Espirito Santo continues. The draw means the Hammers are unbeaten in three of their last four league matches, and could move out of the relegation zone with a victory over Brighton this weekend. Manchester United: Lammens, Mazraoui, Heaven (Yoro 46′) Shaw (Martínez 88′) Amad, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Dalot (Dorgu 68′) Mbeumo, Cunha (Ugarte 77′) Zirkzee (Mount 78′) West Ham: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Diouf, Magassa, Potts (Irving 83′) Bowen, Soucek (Kanté 83′) Mateus Fernandes, Wilson (Kilman 87′)

Celtic appoint Wilfried Nancy as new manager

Celtic have confirmed Wilfried Nancy as their new permanent manager, who will take charge of the club from Thursday on a two-and-a-half-year deal. The Frenchman arrives from the MLS club Columbus Crew, for whom he has been managing since 2022. His arrival also ends a 37-day wait for Celtic’s next permanent manager, since Brendan Rodgers’ resignation on October 27. Martin O’Neill’s interim reign will end following tonight’s league fixture against Dundee. The Celtic legend has closed the gap to leaders Hearts and secured a League Cup Final appearance in his short second stint. Nancy’s first week will see key tests against Hearts and Roma, before the massive League Cup Final against St Mirren at Hampden Park.

McInnes urges Hearts to seize opportunity ahead of Tynecastle return

Hearts return to home action on Wednesday evening, looking to break a three-match winless run in the Scottish Premiership against 10th-place Kilmarnock.  Speaking with HeartsTV after Saturday’s goalless draw at Fir Park, Derek McInnes hopes his side can “ask the question” of their next opponents. “I want us to try and be a bit more of what we were in terms of being more confident about our work, a bit more belief about our work and a bit more aggressive in our work, even with the two strikers on at the end, the refusal to play up to Kabore and Shankland, and ask the question a bit earlier.” The 0-0 draw left the league leaders 5 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, until nearest challengers Celtic closed that gap to two points the following afternoon at Easter Road. “We kept going round the houses, got ourselves bogged down, so we need to try and engage with strikers, play forward more, and hopefully get our just rewards, and Wednesday night gives us an opportunity – as it always is.” Hearts are unbeaten in 13 of 14 Premiership games, and are the top goalscorers domestically. That included a comprehensive 3-0 victory at BBSP Rugby Park against Wednesday’s opponents, Kilmarnock, “We take the positives from the day to take a point, it’s another point, which on the road is decent shooting. But as long as you take care of your home games, and hopefully we can do that on Wednesday.” Victory at Tynecastle would set up a clash with Celtic on Sunday afternoon, the table toppers will be keen to extend their impressive start to the league season before that tantalising trip to the east end of Glasgow.

Livingston 0-1 Aberdeen: Former Lion Haunts Hosts to Steal Victory for Dons

Livingston 0-1 Aberdeen Devlin (80′) A late Nicky Devlin header secured a key victory for Aberdeen in a scrappy encounter at the Set Fare Arena, which left the hosts rooted to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership. The first opportunity didn’t occur until the 15-minute mark, when Danny Wilson directed Stevie May’s looping free-kick wide of the goal. Moments later, Mo Susoho forced Dimitar Mitov into a low save after smart hold-up play by Tete Yengi, as the Lions searched for the opener. Mitov diverted Lewis Smith’s driven cross on the 20-minute mark to keep the scores level. The home side had their opponents on the back foot, and the sea of red support voiced their disapproval of their team’s timid start. They eventually carved out a clear opening in the 23rd minute. Captain Graeme Shinnie broke forward, allowing Jesper Karlsson to drive at the Livingston defence. After moving the ball to his right, he unleashed a deflected shot which crept past the post. Livingston continued to pose a threat, but Daniel Finlayson’s header lacked direction from May’s next free kick on the half-hour mark. May resumed his set-piece barrage minutes later. His 25-yard free-kick was pushed away by Mitov before thumping his second effort into the advertising boards. Sammy Lawal marauded down the Livingston right in the 37th minute, Scott Pittman collected his infield pass, but his shot deflected over. Summer signings Adil Aouchiche and Karlsson linked for Aberdeen on the 40-minute mark, but Jeromie Prior easily gathered the latter’s poked shot. Both sides pushed for the opener in the second half, but Mitov and Prior had little to do. Stuart Armstrong’s right-footed cross was headed into the ground by Marko Lazetic. The striker had endured a difficult opening hour and was substituted moments later. Yengi fashioned a decent opening on the hour mark. His right-footed strike from the edge of the box was saved by Mitov after a clever Lewis Smith pass. Karlsson looked to be Aberdeen’s best outlet for winning the game. He sprung infield in the 70th minute and flashed a shot wide of Prior’s top corner. Dylan Lobban looked lively on the Aberdeen right. His whipped cross was directed towards the goal by Armstrong, but Prior was alert to save. The visitors opened the scoring in the final ten minutes. Topi Keskinen lifted a cross to the backpost, which former Livi star Nicky Devlin headed home across Prior. The visitors saw out the game, confirming a priceless victory which moves them into 7th spot in the Scottish Premiership. Livingston: Prior 6 Lawal 6 Wilson 6 Finlayson 6 Montano 6 Pittman 7 Tait 7 Susoho 6 Smith 7 May 7 Yengi 7 Substitutes: Carey 6 Brenet 6 Bokila 5 Muirhead 5 Aberdeen: Mitov 7 Devlin 7 Milne 7 Knoester 6 Lobban 7 Shinnie 6 Heltne Nilsen 6 Aouchiche 6 Armstrong 6 Karlsson 7 Lazetic 5 Substitutes: Nisbet 6 Polvara 6 Keskinen 5 Milanovic 5 Clarkston 5