Rangers plan quiet January as O'Neill flags 'big advantage' in title race

Rangers have no plans to dip into the transfer market in January unless manager Derek McInnes identifies a problem that forces the club to act, according to reports — a stance that suggests confidence in the squad McInnes has assembled.

McInnes's side have been building momentum this season, and their manager has been handed a convenient excuse for any wobbles by an unexpected source: Celtic boss Martin O'Neill. The interim Hoops chief believes Rangers' absence from European football this term gives them a "big advantage" in the Premiership title race, freeing them from the midweek grind of continental competition.

VAR debate after Kelsy goal

Meanwhile, the handball controversy surrounding Rangers striker Kevin Kelsy's goal against Kilmarnock has been laid to rest — by a former referee, at least. Bobby Madden reckons VAR could not have intervened because there was no "clear footage" of the incident, ending any lingering sense of injustice on either side of the debate.

Hibs frustrations boil over

Across Edinburgh, Hibs' new era under Marink Reedijk began with disappointment. Stand-in captain Felix Passlack admitted there was a "big frustration" among the players after the new manager's first game in charge ended in defeat to Dundee United at Tannadice.

With Celtic looking for a long-term successor to O'Neill, Rangers holding firm in the market, Hibs adjusting to a new manager and VAR calls still stirring debate, Scottish football's storylines show no sign of slowing down as the season gathers pace.