St Johnstone fear long-term injury for Charlton loanee Zach Mitchell

Mitchell awaits further assessment

St Johnstone centre-back Zach Mitchell is waiting for more scans after suffering an injury during the match against Falkirk.

The 21-year-old is on loan from Charlton Athletic, and St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari fears the defender could be sidelined for a long period. The club will await the additional medical results before determining the full extent of the injury and Mitchell’s expected recovery time.

Other Scottish football developments

Former Rangers striker Mark Hateley believes Aberdeen’s newly appointed chief executive Adrian Bevington can create fresh opportunities for the club through his extensive contacts from roles with the English FA, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.

Elsewhere, former Celtic player Daniel Church has spoken about being forced to retire at 25 after being advised that spinal surgery carried significant risks. Church, who had been monitored by Manchester United as a 15-year-old, now works as a barber.

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has criticised the scheduling of an Oasis concert on the night of the 60th anniversary of Celtic’s 1967 European Cup triumph, saying the club had not sufficiently considered supporters’ feelings.

The Scottish Football Association has also told Hearts that it considers the decision to disallow a goal against Kilmarnock for handball by midfielder Laurent Mendy to have been correct. The Premiership match finished 1-1.