SPFL Archives - SNN Sports

Lawrence Shankland To Miss “A Significant Time” According To Derek McInnes

After receiving a scan on Monday, Derek McInnes has said that Rangers captain Lawrence Shankland will miss a significant amount of time after hobbling off very early into his team’s 1-0 win at Ibrox against Motherwell on Saturday. McInnes didn’t give a direct time frame but he did say it was a similar injury to the one Shankland had in January while playing for Hearts where the striker was out for three months. He also confirmed that if it required surgery that may result in another three of four weeks on the sidelines. Speaking at his pre-match press conference before Rangers play St Mirren on Wednesday, McInnes said: “So he’s had his scan and we have confirmation that he’s had a tear, a 2C tear in his hamstring so similar to the one he had previously back in January back when he was with Hearts.” He continued: “He’s actually in London now getting an ultrasound scan, a follow up scan which is just to determine with the specialist whether he’ll require surgery or if you just let that heal naturally.” With this injury to Shankland along with an ACL tear injury for another striker in Youssef Chermiti, Rangers will now be without two striking options for a long stretch of the season, but McInnes was still positive about the situation. He said: “Having him and Youssef out, two guys that guarantee you goals at Premiership level its a massive blow but their disappointments are other people’s opportunity as you’ve seen from Saturday with Ryan (Naderi) getting his goal, Kevin (Kelsy) getting introduced and we’ve got Bojan Miovski who knows his way about the Scottish Premiership.” After tomorrow’s match against St Mirren, Rangers face an Old Firm double header two weekends in a row before the international break meaning Ryan Naderi, Kevin Kelsy and Bojan Miovski will have to be on top form to continue the winning run that Rangers are trying to build after a slow start to the season.

September 8, 2026

Talking Points: Aberdeen 0-0 Kilmarnock

Five talking points from Aberdeen vs Kilmarnock as the points are shared at Pittodrie. Pressure building on Robinson? Boos rang round Pittodrie at the midway point of the match and louder boos were audible following the full time whistle. The Dons were held by Kilmarnock on Saturday afternoon, and it is safe to say the supporters let their frustration be known. Stephen Robinson’s side are yet to score an open play goal in the league after five matches, and have now gone four consecutive league games without scoring a goal, which is very concerning, and has become the final straw for a lot of Aberdeen supporters, which was clear to hear. Killie stop the rot. After a dismal start to their 2026/27 Premiership campaign, Neil McCann’s men picked up their first Premiership point at Pittodrie, and it was the least that they deserved. If it wasn’t for an inspired performance from Aberdeen keeper Muller, Kilmarnock would have their first win of the league campaign, however, despite not picking up all three points, Neil McCann can take plenty of positives going into another meeting against the same opponents on Saturday evening, one of which being keeping a clean sheet. The Ayrshire outfit conceded fourteen goals in their first four Premiership matches, so a clean sheet will be a relief for the Kilmarnock defenders. Magnificent Muller. Aberdeen have Muller to thank for getting a point on the board from that performance. The German made some magnificent saves throughout the ninety minutes, with the standout save coming in the second-half, where he made himself big to deny Kiltie from close range. The shot-stopper is one of the very few Aberdeen players who can hold his head high after Saturday. Killie struggling to find the net. Despite a much more encouraging performance from Kilmarnock, just like Aberdeen, they have failed to find the net in their last three matches, against Dundee United, St Mirren and most recently, Aberdeen. Although they had the better of the opportunities on Saturday, besides that Kiltie chance at the back post, they didn’t really create anything clear cut. Ultimately, it was a much improved display from Killie, but the fact of the matter is that they still sit bottom, without a goal scored in their last three, however, they did show enough at Pittodrie to show that they are capable of getting themselves out of the mess they find themselves in. Lack of intent. Throughout the match on Saturday afternoon, there was an evident lack of urgency to Aberdeen’s play. When they received the ball, they would take too many touches – slowing the game down, they played a lot of hopeful balls up the pitch – which were easily dealt with by Kilmarnock, took little to no risks in possession – taking the easy option, and when the attackers did receive the ball, they showed no quality on it, which is backed up by the fact that three of the front four were taken off at half-time.

September 6, 2026

Transfer Window Winners and Losers from an ex SPFL Scout

As an ex-SPFL scout, it is only right that I give my winners and losers, along with some players to watch, now that the summer transfer window has slammed shut. This window was always going to be difficult due to it being a World Cup summer. Then you add managerial exits and appointments into the mix, so recruitment departments certainly haven’t had it easy. One of the winners for me has got to be Motherwell. The loss of Jens Berthel Askou was huge for them, but the appointment of Alfred Johansson seems to have had very little effect on their momentum. Motherwell seem to have continued where they left off, which has been a surprise. Their transfer business was similar. Losing Just and Ward could have been difficult, but again, it looks like it hasn’t fazed them. Keeping Tawanda Maswanhise was a great bit of business, but their arrivals have been just as impressive in my opinion. They brought in 11 players in total, with Paulsen, Kanga and Hodge standing out. Then, in their final move of the window, they added the experience of Dylan Levitt, who will give them quality and experience in the middle of the park. I fully expect Dylan to get called back into the Wales squad this season. That is how highly I rate him. Another one of my winners is League One side East Kilbride. The talent they have brought in is Championship level. The ambition of Mick Kennedy and the club is something else and it makes sure plenty of eyes will be on League One this season. The signings of Owen Moffat and Lewis McGrattan are two that really stand out. Both probably had offers from Championship clubs, so for them to choose East Kilbride shows the ambition of the club and what they are trying to build. As the window closed, they also announced a partnership with Celtic — got Si to thank for that one, I’m guessing! I wish Mick and everyone at EK all the best in what is going to be a difficult League One season. I only had two outright winners, but I will mention Celtic. I have asked myself: “Did the failure to qualify for the Champions League change their business in the window?” Even though players like Høgh, Duran and Baur have come in, and they strengthened further with their new additions, you can’t help but say it was probably just an okay window. I think if Celtic had qualified for the Champions League, then it could have been viewed as a great window and some of their targets may have been completely different. The losers of the window, for me, are simply teams that I don’t think strengthened enough and may come up short this season. By the time the January window comes around, it could already be too late. I think Kilmarnock will struggle. I just don’t think they have enough to comfortably get themselves away from the relegation zone or playoff position. Another team I think could suffer the same fate is Dundee. I can’t help but ask myself: Have they done enough to replace Simon Murray up top? His leadership, experience and goals will be a huge loss, and I’m not convinced they have fully replaced what he brought to that team. Before I move onto my players to watch, I have to mention the other half of the Old Firm — Rangers. I wouldn’t necessarily say they lost the window, but one piece of business stands out to me as a mistake: allowing James Tavernier to leave. I strongly believe that if Tav was still at Rangers, they may still be in Europe and perhaps wouldn’t have found themselves doing as much late-window business. You also have to look at their incomings and overall expenditure during the window. There is now no European money coming in and, let’s face it, the domestic league money alone isn’t going to cover that level of spending. Unless the 49ers have a serious war chest at Rangers, they are surely going to have to be mindful of their spending going forward and it wouldn’t surprise me if one or two big-money departures are eventually required. Now onto my players to watch. My first player will probably come as no surprise to anyone: Camilo Duran. He was relatively unknown to most supporters, although there were a few good performances in last season’s Champions League. But wow — what a start he has had. I have to warn Celtic fans: don’t fall in love with him too quickly. If he keeps playing like this, then he is going to have many, many suitors after him next summer. Celtic look like they have found another gem. I also think the fact he has hit the ground running has helped him settle immediately and given him confidence. Another player to watch is Calvin Ramsay. This transfer just makes sense for both parties. Calvin Ramsay needs game time, and coming to St Mirren isn’t going to do anything negative to his career. If anything, it allows him to play regularly, build confidence and remind people of the player he was before his move to Liverpool. It is a great bit of business for St Mirren and I fully expect Calvin to go back to Merseyside with his stock much higher than it is now. Those are my winners, losers and players to watch from the summer window. Now the window is shut, we get to find out who actually got their recruitment right.

September 5, 2026

Josh Campbell set for Hibs departure as Premier League veteran linked

Reports indicate that Josh Campbell is set to join St. Johnstone on a season-long loan, whilst Danny Ings is rumoured to be joining the club. Despite scoring at Ibrox earlier this season, game time has been hard to come by for the Hibs midfielder. Earlier reports indicated Dundee United were interested in Campbell, but it seems he is on his way to Perth to join up with Simo Valakari’s side. A boyhood Hibs fan, Campbell has played 184 times for Hibs since coming through the academy, being a mainstay at the club under numerous managers such as Jack Ross, Shaun Maloney, Lee Johnson, Nick Montgomery and David Gray. He’s scored 23 goals during his time at Hibs and has been known to pop up in the big moments for Hibs, scoring a penalty in this season’s win at Ibrox, whilst netting in last season’s Edinburgh derby win, a brace against Celtic in 2025, a hat-trick in a 6-0 win against Aberdeen (where he also provided two assists) and a late equaliser against Rangers whilst Lee Johnson was in charge at Hibs. The Edinburgh side have also been linked with ex-Premier League striker Danny Ings. The 34-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Sheffield United last season, but made his name in England’s top flight at clubs such as Liverpool, West Ham, Southampton, Aston Villa and Burnley. Ings won the 2022/23 Conference League title at West Ham and finished 2nd in the 2019/20 Premier League Golden Boot race, netting 22 goals whilst at Southampton, only Jamie Vardy scored more that year on 23. Hibs host Hearts in the Edinburgh derby tonight, if Campbell’s move to Perth is completed by the 5pm deadline, it is unlikely he’d make his debut this weekend as St. Johnstone host his parent club. However, he wouldn’t have long to wait as Celtic visit McDiarmid Park on Wednesday.

September 3, 2026

Warren O’Hora completes Leicester transfer as Hibs move swiftly to replace Irishman

Warren O’Hora has completed a move to Leicester City with Serbian defender Marko Ivezić arriving in Edinburgh on a three-year-deal. O’Hora was one of David Gray’s first signings as Hibs boss, arriving from MK Dons. The Irishman made 85 appearances for Hibs, scoring 3 goals in green and white. Leicester’s new defender was integral to Hibs defence over the years, being a mainstay in a Hibs defence that qualified for European football in back-to-back seasons. He will now join up with his old MK Dons boss and ex-Rangers manager Russell Martin as the former Premier League champions currently find themselves in League One. After completing his move, rumoured to be in the region of £400,000, O’Hora said: “I’m really excited to get started here. Leicester is a massive club with big ambitions, and I’m looking forward to being part of that and helping the team achieve its goals. “I’m ready for the challenge and can’t wait to get going, meet my new team-mates and play in front of the supporters at King Power Stadium.” Hibs have been quick to act in finding a replacement as 24-year-old Serbian defender Marko Ivezić has arrived from German side Holstein Kiel on a three-year-contract. Ivezić has mostly played in Germany’s second tier, but has a season’s experience in the Bundesliga and has earned one cap for the Serbian National Team so far. After completing his eight signing of the summer, David Gray said: “We’re delighted to bring Marko into the building and get the deal over the line.“He brings a really good combination of both physical defensive qualities and experience – having played in the Bundesliga and represented his country. “He’s very versatile, which gives us another option within the squad, and at 24, he is at an age where he has his best years ahead of him and we believe he is primed and ready to fit right into the squad.” Ivezić could be thrown into the deep end for his debut as Hibernian host rivals Hearts tomorrow infant of a sold out Easter Road.

September 2, 2026

Rangers midfield duo head out on loan

Middlesbrough have confirmed the loan signing of Connor Barron, whilst Lyall Cameron has joined Dundee United for the season. Barron has played 85 times for the Ibrox side since joining from Aberdeen two years ago, but has struggled for game time in the last 6 months due to injuries. With new manager Derek McInnes bolstering his midfield with the arrivals of Dan Neil, Cammy Devlin and Vanja Dragojević, the Scotland international was told he was free to play elsewhere and Kim Hellberg swooped in just before the end of the English transfer window to bring the midfielder to the Riverside. The championship side next face a trip to Burnley whilst Rangers will play away to Falkirk. Lyall Cameron joined the club on a free transfer from Dundee last season, but has struggled for game time in Govan, spending the second half of last season on loan at Aberdeen. He’s now crossed the Dens Road divide, agreeing to join Jim Goodwin’s side on a season long loan. Dundee United travel to Motherwell tomorrow, where Cameron could make his debut in Tangerine.

September 2, 2026

Motherwell bring Dylan Levitt back to Scotland

Motherwell have announced the signing of Dylan Levitt from Leyton Orient on a two-year-deal for an undisclosed fee. A product of the Manchester United academy, Levitt first moved to Scotland in 2021 on loan to Dundee United before making that move permanent a year later. The club’s relegation in 2023 opened the door for the Welsh international to move to Hibernian, where he spent two-and-a-half years in the capital. He’d then fall down the pecking order amongst David Gray’s midfielders last season, allowing him to move to Leyton Orient in League One, where he spent six months. After putting pen-to-paper in Lanarkshire, Levitt said: “I feel like I should be able to slot in here quickly and easily. From the games I’ve watched this season, this is the perfect system for me to play in. There are some really good players in the building, and now it’s my job to get to work and try to push into the team. “I’m well accustomed to Scottish football and know what it takes to be successful here. I’m looking forward to what comes next.” Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson pointed at Levitt’s ability and Premiership experience after completing his 11th signing of the summer, he said: “We have recruited from leagues across the globe this summer, but bringing someone in who has ample experience in this division is also really important. Dylan has played almost 100 games in the Scottish Premiership, so he knows exactly what’s needed. “His ability on the ball and characteristics were exactly what we wanted, and we feel he bolsters our options in the middle of the pitch. We have some really strong players in this position who will all be pushing each other on throughout the season. “I’m excited to see Dylan in our system and feel our summer recruitment has put the squad in a really healthy position.” Levitt could look to make his Motherwell debut soon as they host one of his former clubs Dundee United tomorrow in the Scottish Premiership, before going away to Rangers on Saturday.

September 1, 2026

New Hibs man raring to go ahead of first Edinburgh Derby

Jacob Devaney made his Hibernian debut on Sunday as Hibs defeated Dundee 2-1 at Dens Park. Speaking post match, he said the prospect of playing in the Edinburgh Derby was a big attraction when he weighed up his prospects for this season. Devaney impressed many in his debut for David Gray’s side, earning the man of the match award as he looks to fill the #6 shaped hole left by Dan Barlaser. The Irishman is no stranger to Scottish football, spending the second half of last season on loan at St. Mirren, but is relishing the prospect of playing in one of the country’s biggest matches. Speaking after Sunday’s win Devaney discussed his experiences of Hibernian’s European heartbreak against KAA Gent. The midfielder hadn’t joined the club ahead of the first leg, so was resigned to the stands for the second leg. He said: “I got a good glimpse of what the fans can be like on Thursday. “They were amazing. It was a real goosebumps moment in the first five or ten minutes, knowing that I could potentially be playing in front of those fans on Thursday.” The 19-year-old on loan from Manchester United also admitted that he will have to catch up with his teammates on the Edinburgh Derby experience, with focus at Easter Road quickly shifting from Gent to Dundee, and now to Hearts. Devaney said: “I’ve only ever watched the Edinburgh derby on TV. “But the chance to play in it was definitely a big attraction for me coming to Hibs and I’m looking forward to it.” The midfielder was also full of praise for his side’s impressive victory, where the 2-1 scoreline seemed to flatter Dundee, Devaney said: “We wanted to show people how good a team we are, and I think we showed that at times. I thought it was a really good performance and we held on in the end, which was the main thing, getting the three points.” The win was clearly an important one with the match coming so soon after Hibs conceded two late goals to exit the Conference League at the Play-Off stage for the second consecutive year. Dundee scored an 83rd minute goal to pull it back to 2-1 on Sunday which certainly caused some anxiety in the Dens Park away end, but Devaney praised the squad’s mentality and emphasised Hibs’ goals for the season, he said: “The lads could have been forgiven for letting their heads drop after what happened on Thursday. “But it just shows there’s a real spirit in that first team. There’s a great bunch of lads in there, staff included, and I think it’s a group of winners as well. We want to go out and keep getting three points. “It’s a massive club in Scotland, and a team that can push for success this year. We need to keep grinding out three points in the league and hopefully have a good two cup runs as well.” Hibs are now gearing up for their seventh consecutive Thursday night match as they host Hearts in the first Edinburgh Derby of the season in front of a sold-out Easter Road.

August 31, 2026

Kilmarnock 0-4 Dundee United: Killie’s Defensive Troubles Continue with Another Heavy Defeat

Rugby Park saw yet another poor defensive performance from Kilmarnock as they lost another four goals taking their total to 13 against in three league games. Kilmarnock came into this game off the back of a derby cup win against Ayrshire rivals Ayr United in the cup but had shipped nine goals in their opening two league games which saw them bottom of the league before a ball was kicked. Dundee United had lost their last three in all competitions including a Dundee derby last weekend as they sat just one place and one point above Kilmarnock coming into this one. Killie made four changes to their derby victory as Cathal McCarthey, Mark O’Hara, Jonathan Meier and Nicky Clescenco replaced Jamie Brandon, George Stanger, Aaron Tshibola and Erik Ring. McCarthy and Meier were making their debuts for the hosts today. United also made four changes to their derby defeat as Vicko Sevelj, Dylan Tait, Jesse Randall and Idjessi Metsoko were replaced by Zac Sapsford, Emmanuel Agyei, Joshua Rawlins and Daniel Bennie. The first real chance of the game came for Kilmarnock from a long ball that was flicked on by Greg Kiltie into the path of Joe Hugill who struck on the volley from around 25 yards but it proved to be an easy stop for United keeper Jack Walton. United hit back a few minutes with a cross into the box from Zac Sapsford that was met at the back post from about a yard out as Meier lost his man but Michael Forbes somehow put his header over the bar. Dundee United took the lead after 13 minutes as a corner was floated in by Mehdi Merghem near the front post and knocked in by the head of Emmanuel Agyei who was unmarked just six yards out as Killie’s woeful defensive run continued. United continued to pile on pressure as Daniel Binnie won another header at the back post but it went wide and with Killie down to 10 men at the time as Robbie Deas had gone off injured and George Stanger came on to replace him. Killie finally found themselves with an attempt on goal around the half hour mark as Mark O’Hara flicked a deep cross towards the far post and Walton was at full stretch to tip the ball past the post, the corner that came from it was well overhit and not an issue for United. A penalty was awarded to Dundee United as Cathal McCarthy was adjudged to have pulled the shirt of Michael Forbes in the box, Sapsford took the penalty and slipped but managed to strike it past Max Stryek to put United two up. That was followed by a beautiful strike from Will Ferry as he cut in on his right foot and curled one from about 25 yards into the top corner leaving Stryek with no chance at all as United were starting to make it look embarrassing for Killie. Killie tried to get themselves back into the game as Michael Schjonning-Larsen had a couple of crosses that led to nothing as the half time whistle was blown there were boos all round Rugby Park as that’s now 12 goals conceded in two and a half matches. A good start to the second half from Killie as substitute Djenaro Daniels’ low cut back was hit by Hugill but he got it all wrong and it went well over the bar. United settled into the second half as Abdoulaye Yoro hit a shot on the spin after good work on the right hand side but it was a routine save for Stryek. Mehdi Merghem was causing Killie troubles again and his pass inside found Binnie who took a good touch and hit a powerful strike but again it was straight at Stryek. Kilmarnock then went straight up the park and Schjonning-Larsen hit a similar shot to Binnie but again Walton tipped it away. Merghem was at it again but this time he went for it himself, his curling shot looked to be mirroring Ferry’s from the first half but this one drifted just wide. As we entered the last 20 minutes United again found themselves with a player unmarked inside the Kilmarnock penalty area as Sapsford had a header saved by Stryek. Just moments later substitutes Lachlan Rose and Jesse Randall combined but Rose’s shot was again saved by Stryek who got his foot on the ball at a stretch. United made it four with just over 10 minutes to go as Ferry’s cross found yet another teammate unmarked at the back post, this time it was Randall whose volley found the roof of the net from close range. As the game came to an end Dundee United were deserved winners as an almost empty Rugby Park boos their team off the park, Killie need to fix this schoolboy defending or they could have a record- breakingly bad season. Kilmarnock Max Stryek, Cathal McCarthy, Mark O’Hara (Bailey Rice 63’), Robbie Deas (George Stanger 17’), Joe Hugill, Tyreese John-Jules (Cole Burke 64’), Greg Kiltie, Tom Lowery, Jonathan Meier (Jamie Brandon 46’), Nicky Clescenco (Djenairo Daniels 46’), Michael Schjonning-Larsen. Dundee United Jack Walton, Bert Esselink, Mehdi Merghem (Jesse Randall 63’), Panutche Camera, Zac Sapsford (Neil Farrugia 74’), Will Ferry, Emmanuel Agyei, Michael Forbes, Joshua Rawlins, Abdoulaye Yoro (Lachlan Rose 64’), Daniel Bennie (Dario Naamo 79’) .

August 29, 2026

Rangers and Celtic Handed Stadium Bans Over Pitch Invasion

Celtic and Rangers have been ordered to play their next home Scottish Cup fixtures behind closed doors following fan disorder during last season’s quarter-final clash. In addition to the stadium bans, both clubs have been instructed to pay £100,000 in compensation to the visiting team for that tie. Authorities have also issued a suspended sanction: a second home match without supporters will be enforced should fans engage in further “unacceptable conduct” in future Scottish Cup matches. The strict disciplinary measures follow violent scenes at Ibrox at the conclusion of last season’s quarter-final, where Celtic defeated Rangers on penalties to reach the semi-finals. A post-match pitch invasion saw supporters from both sides storm the field, resulting in clashes with stewards and police, as well as a series of arrests.

August 28, 2026