Former Hibernian manager Shaun Maloney has refuted suggestions that he is pulling the strings at Celtic as Martin O'Neill's assistant, while also confessing he remains undecided about whether a future in football management is right for him. The 43-year-old's comments come as Celtic maintain an active interest in 29-year-old Hungarian goalkeeper Balazs Toth, who recently rejected contract renewal offers from Blackburn Rovers. Meanwhile, ahead of Celtic's Europa League meeting on Thursday, Celta Vigo midfielder Ilaix Moriba has been cleared to feature despite being the victim of a home break-in that resulted in thousands of pounds worth of jewellery being stolen.
Transfer developments are also brewing across Glasgow, where Rangers are preparing for January interest in Nico Raskin. Spanish side Real Betis are continuing to monitor the 25-year-old Belgian midfielder, though the Ibrox hierarchy have no intention of letting him depart easily. In other Rangers-related musings, former Scotland forward Don Hutchison revealed his personal regret over not signing for the club after departing Sunderland in 2001, questioning whether 27-year-old Bologna and Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson might experience similar feelings. Across the Premiership, 19-year-old Heart of Midlothian forward James Wilson remains relaxed regarding his future, confirming he is not unduly concerned despite entering the final year of his current deal.
Managerial strain has also taken center stage across the Scottish game. Dunfermline boss Neil Lennon has questioned if there is sufficient mental health support available for coaches, arguing that external criticism can be "way over the top." Former Dundee head coach Steven Pressley disclosed that he came close to resigning multiple times last term, while former Dundee and Dunfermline manager James McPake reached out to under-fire tacticians Alfred Johansson of Motherwell, Craig McLeish of St Mirren, and Hibernian's Marink Reedijk, urging them to "stick to your principles."
Looking ahead to upcoming domestic action, Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson has shouldered the blame for Tony Yogane's slow start, though he feels the winger is now locating dangerous positions. Aberdeen visit Dundee United on Saturday, with the hosts waiting anxiously over the severity of forward Lachlan Rose's ankle injury, although winger Mehdi Merghem could make his return. Further afield, Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay declared he is near his best form once again after a procedure to treat irregular heart rhythms, having netted a brace in Napoli's thrilling 4-3 Champions League victory over Bodo/Glimt.