Northern Ireland winger heads for Cyprus after being told he has no immediate future at Rangers
He made just four league starts last season, sparking speculation that he may move away from Ibrox despite having two years left on his contract.
New manager Russell Martin has now allowed McCausland to link up with the Cypriot First Division side – and the deal also contains a conditional obligation to buy.
The 22-year-old has made 64 senior appearances for Rangers.
The former Linfield man, who has earned five caps for his country, missed June's doubleheader with Denmark and Iceland due to injury.
The Scottish Premiership side stated: "Rangers can today confirm attacker Ross McCausland has joined Aris Limassol on-loan until the end of the season. The deal also contains a conditional obligation to buy.
'McCausland, who has 64 appearances and seven goals under his belt for Gers, heads to the Cypriot First Division side, who are also going through Conference League qualifying at present. He heads to Aris with the best wishes of everyone at the Rangers.'
McCausland, who came through the Gers academy, will link up with ex-Ibrox pair Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun at Limassol.
His move comes after Martin provided an update on departures at his press conference.
The 39-year-old addressed the media ahead of his side's Scottish Premiership season-opener against Motherwell on Sunday.
He said: "We have a fair few players who have interest in them who know that their career probably needs to move on to play football.
"And we've still gone and done Mikey (Moore), we did (Djeidi) Gassama, there's been players that we've done. But obviously, by the end of the window, we definitely can't have them all in here. But I don't think it's a case of having to wait, we need them to go first."
McCausland enjoyed a promising start to his Rangers career and established himself under ex-boss Philippe Clement, but he is now surplus to requirements under Martin.
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Daily Mail
43 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
McGlynn keen to emulate PSG's template for success as Falkirk return to the top flight after 15-year absence
John McGlynn is surrounded by paperwork, pens and computer kit as he sits in an unassuming office deep in the bowels of the Falkirk Stadium, contemplating what can only be described as a seismic season ahead. Fresh from a getaway to Torremolinos, the 63-year-old manager is clearly champing at the bit as he gets ready for the Bairns' return to the Scottish top flight after a 15-year absence. Preparations have been full-on since the Championship winners returned to pre-season training. There was a 'wake-up call' when they were defeated 3-2 by Edinburgh City, followed by a successful League Cup campaign which saw them top their section with three wins and a draw. Now McGlynn is in reflective mood as he sets out his stall for the forthcoming campaign, starting with the visit of Dundee United on Sunday. His inspiration for the club's big-time comeback comes as something of a surprise. 'We've actually been looking at Paris Saint Germain a lot, because PSG are the team of the moment,' he tells Mail Sport. 'We look at the way they play and how we can replicate that, do what they do. We show some videos to the lads, virtually every morning, particularly in pre-season, so you're laying down the mantle in terms of how you're going to go on.' The notion of Falkirk seeking a template from this year's Champions League winners is maybe not as daft as it sounds. Naturally devoid of big names, it all boils down to this for the Bairns; how, realistically, can a team that has risen exponentially from the lower ranks, without the 'star' players associated with the likes of Celtic and Rangers, take on the might of the Premiership? Looking to PSG may actually provide some answers. When Luis Enrique's men secured their European title following an emphatic 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan, it was a huge statement of intent and proved that teamwork was greater than 'star power' for a side who had previously boasted the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. 'PSG had just won the Champions League,' muses McGlynn. 'And, me being me, I'm looking at how they won it, when the team that had Messi in it, had Mbappe in it, had Neymar in it, a little bit further back had Angel Di Maria in it, were not able to do so. 'They're all superstars, so what's the difference between that team and the one that just won it? This team work together. They're not relying on an individual. It's the whole team that's synchronised, the way they press. When one goes, they all go. And they do it so quickly, with speed, energy, commitment, aggression. They press and they win the ball back high. And when they don't and they get broken, their recovery is incredible. 'If you look at the manager, he has done an amazing job so quickly, to turn that team around. Younger players and more of a team, rather than just individuals. This is a key point I'm now trying to put across. ' McGlynn is a huge fan of his Spanish counterpart. 'Enrique is absolute class,' he continues. 'He's on another level. And to come through that route where loads have tried, lots of PSG managers have tried to do that job, and he has done it in a way that has been so exciting to watch. 'I just think he has controlled them better. I think it might be quite difficult to control Messi, arguably being the best player in the world. Mbappe may be the best player for others. 'They're probably such superstars that they get away with just their individual ability. 'The manager now has this team working as a whole unit, he's got more control of them. They're younger, they're more likely to listen and take things on board. rather than think: 'Well, give me the ball and I'll score a goal' — which does happen. 'Messi, for example, is incredible, but if your team doesn't have the ball, then you're a man down. I'm sure there will be people who criticise that, because how can you criticise Messi? But then I'm looking at that and thinking: 'Well, in 2022, 2023, they couldn't win the Champions League'. 'They've done it now, through the organisation, the work rate, the tempo, the intensity with which they played. Inter Milan were steamrolled. 'Now, I know, I'm just John McGlynn, manager of Falkirk football club. We've been five years in League One. But that's just the way I look at it. 'I don't expect everyone to agree with me, but you have to look at the top. 'See how they do it at the top level and see what's working. If you can put that across to the players, that's what counts.' McGlynn's enthusiasm for the game is infectious. It's easy to see why the former Hearts, Livingston and Raith Rovers boss commands the respect of his players wherever he goes. He's straight-down-the-line, salt of the earth. His fundamental principles are borne out of ambition, of an understanding that working hard, fostering a winning mentality and showing humility, will eventually lead to your ultimate goal. Realism, though, is key. As a fan-owned outfit, Falkirk simply can't compete financially against the top-flight's clubs — some of whom are backed by a new cohort of wealthy American owners. An alternative approach with attainable goals is essential should they hope to retain their status and not simply drop back down into the second tier after one season. 'I look at Rangers with the 49ers now and the money that's going to be pumped in there,' says McGlynn. 'Tony Bloom coming in at Hearts and the money that's going to go in there. The Gordon family, along with the Black Knights, there's a lot of money involved there for Hibs. 'Celtic are obviously going to try and beat them all. Then you've got the two Dundee teams who have American owners who are not scared to put their hands in their pockets. So there are a lot of teams who could be going out and spending a lot of money and the boys here could be going up against superstars. 'If we work as a team, maybe we'll be able to do a bit of what PSG are doing against others. This is my mindset, that if we can outwork them and organise, we can come out on top. 'We're a front-foot team, we press high. We've done that in League One, in the Championship, in Scottish Cup ties and League Cup ties. That's the way we want to try and set up. We will have to adjust accordingly, of course, if we have to. 'We'll just go from week to week and look at the opposition. We won't change our philosophy, but we may need to be more aware of certain aspects that might crop up. By that, I mean almost playing the game before you play the game. 'Ultimately, this is a special dressing room. The team spirit is amazing, there's good banter every day. They enjoy their work and they enjoy winning. 'Over the past two or three years, we've done a lot of winning. We'll need to be strong, because I can't see us winning as many games as we have done. That's just the reality. 'As long as we win enough games to be in a good position, however, then it will be another feather in our cap. 'We've now got 5,600 season ticket holders, which is a phenomenal amount for Falkirk. It's certainly a good time to be here, and we're delighted with the job that we've done. 'One thing's for sure, that job is not finished yet.'
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Our writers make 2025/26 Scottish football predictions
As always, it promises to be full of drama, controversy, quality and excitement. Here are our writers' predictions for the season ahead... Matthew Lindsay Premiership winner: Celtic. It's always difficult offering up predictions when there is still another month until the transfer window closes, but I can't see the defending Scottish champions being deposed this term. They have strengthened their squad with some shrewd acquisitions, not least Scotland defender Kieran Tierney, and will bring in more players in the coming weeks. Speculation about Brendan Rodgers' future may prove a nuisance, but he will be eager to focus on football and atone for the Scottish Cup final defeat. Third place: Hibernian. Both Hearts and Aberdeen will fancy their chances of finishing as the best of the rest, but I anticipate the Easter Road club building on the success they enjoyed last term. Surprise package: Falkirk. I would love to see John McGlynn's men show what can be done with homegrown players and a positive approach. Relegated: Dundee. Promoted: St Johnstone. Simo Valakari was helpless to prevent the Perth club going down last season. But the Finn showed what a good coach he is during his time in charge. League Cup winner: Celtic. Scottish Cup winner: Rangers. Best signing: Djeidi Gassama. The former Paris Saint-Germain kid has started strongly for Rangers with two goals against Panathinaikos. Wingers are notoriously inconsistent and he is young. But he is looking like being a decent bit of business. Player of the season: Callum McGregor. The [[Celtic]] captain was devastated to miss a penalty in the [[Scottish Cup]] final last season. He will be a man on a mission in the 2025/26 campaign. Manager of the season: Brendan Rodgers. Stephen McGowan Premiership winner: Celtic. There are still too many unknown variables with Rangers to predict how consistent Russell Martin's team can be. Third place: Hearts plan to use Tony Bloom's investment and expertise to disrupt the established order. That will take more than one season. Surprise package: Promoted Falkirk will be a pleasure to watch and will surprise people with the style of football they play. Relegated: Difficult to see past Dundee after an underwhelming start to the Steven Pressley era in the Premier Sports Cup Promoted: Ross County will win a tug of war with St Johnstone in Scotland's most competitive league League Cup winner: Rangers Scottish Cup winner: Hearts Best signing: Djeidi Gassama made a quick impact for Rangers on his debut. Expect more of that. Player of the season: If he stays fit - and it is an if - Kieran Tierney will be hugely influential for Celtic. Manager of the season: Derek McInnes feels like the right man at the right time for Hearts Jonny McFarlane Premiership winner: Rangers will close the gap but not enough to take the title and Brendan Rodgers will sign off at Celtic with a third title on the spin. Third place: Hearts, and by a distance. Surprise package: Hearts have impressed in pre-season and bought interesting players with their Jamestown data. With wily campaigner Derek McInnes in charge, I think they might even be in the mix for second if they hit the ground running. Relegated: Dundee. Steven Pressley was an appointment the fans didn't want and are already unhappy with after an abject start to their Premier Sports Cup campaign. They struggled last term, narrowly avoiding the drop and look weakened today. You fear the former Falkirk boss is on a hiding to nothing in Tayside. Promoted: Dunfermline. Neil Lennon's a winner who understands intrinsically what you need to be good at in Scottish football. Marry that with a new owner who will invest, and I can't see past the Pars for automatic promotion. League Cup winner: Rangers. Scottish Cup winner: Hearts. Best signing: Thelo Aasgaard has wowed people behind the scenes at the Rangers training centre with his training showings since arriving from Luton. Big things are expected when he returns to fitness. Player of the season: Callum McGregor. The Celtic captain will be central to any success in Glasgow's East End. Nico Raskin outplayed him in the final Old Firm games of the season and may have something to say if he doesn't depart for pastures new but he will have to improve on even last year's consistency to match his old foe over a 38 game season. Manager of the season: Derek McInnes. Everything about his move to Hearts screams marriage made in heaven. The return of a big, physical Hearts at the Tynecastle caldron will give teams nightmares. Ewan Paton Premiership winner: It's difficult to look beyond Celtic after so many years, bar one, of complete and utter dominance of the Scottish football scene. Brendan Rodgers' contract situation could throw up an interesting storyline, mind you, especially if Rangers can get going under Russell Martin to force a tighter title race. Third place: Hibs. They were comfortably the third-best side last season, and after some smart recruitment by David Gray, I'd imagine they'll fancy their chances of yet again taking the 'best of the rest' crown. A lot will depend on whether or not they achieve European group stage football, though. Surprise package: [[Dundee]] United. They deservedly claimed fourth spot last season, but a bit like Kilmarnock the season prior, they were hardly miles better than the opposition. I can see Jim Goodwin's side struggling towards the bottom this term, especially if they endure a slow start as they balance European qualifiers. Relegated: Falkirk. Surprisingly, this seems to buck the trend, with plenty predicting the Championship winners to take the top-flight by storm. Alternatively, their squad is the weakest in the league, and they don't have enough strength in depth to cope for a full campaign. Promoted: St Johnstone. It's far too early to make judgments based on the Premier Sports Cup groups; however, Saints are free-scoring at the moment. They've made smart additions, and with another one or two before the end of the window, they'll pip Ross County to the title. League Cup winner: Rangers. Scottish Cup winner: Celtic. Best signing: Josh Mulligan will thrive by playing with better players in a more attacking-minded team. He'll prove to be an inspired bit of business by Hibs, and don't be surprised if he's sold for multiple millions next summer. Player of the season: Nicolas Raskin is surely the favourite if he stays put at Ibrox. During the second half of last season, he firmly put himself in the top few best players in the division. With more responsibility as he develops, he'll prove crucial in determining the degree of success experienced under Martin in his debut season at Rangers. Manager of the season: Brendan Rodgers. I always tend to steer clear of either of the big two for this, given the significant advantages they pose over the rest of the league. However, if Celtic win the title for a fifth successive season, and his third in a row, then it would be hard to deny him that accolade. David Irvine Premiership winner: Celtic. Expect Rangers to be improved this season, but there is still too large a gulf between the Glasgow clubs to see the title leaving Parkhead. Third place: Hearts. Derek McInnes will be gunning for third spot in the league and some decent cup runs at Tynecastle. He has the squad and management credentials to achieve. Surprise package: [[Falkirk]]. Despite deserving major plaudits for their recent successes, I expect [[Falkirk]] to struggle in the Scottish Premiership this season. John McGlynn is an excellent coach and will have them playing some decent stuff but they may struggle to grind out results in the top-flight. Relegated: Dundee. We haven't even kicked off the new league season and already there are question marks over Steven Pressley's future at Dens Park. Without a serious turnaround and some new additions, things look very bleak for the season ahead. Promoted: St Johnstone. Simo Valakari found some form with the Perth Saints last season but ultimately couldn't save them. Over the summer, some shrewd signings kickstarted their campaign in the Premier Sports Cup and they look a force to be reckoned with in a tricky Championship. The club knows how easy it is to become lost outside the Scottish Premiership, so have recruited well for a tilt at the title. League Cup winner: Rangers. Scottish Cup winner: Celtic. Best signing: Thelo Aasgaard. Djeidi Gassama has stolen the spotlight for Rangers, but former Luton midfielder Aasgaard will be a key component of Russell Martin's side when he is fit. A talented technician, he could be a difference-maker at Ibrox. Player of the season: Kieran Tierney. A fully fit Tierney would be playing in the Premier League week-in, week out. His return to Celtic is in no small part down to his emotional ties with the club. If he remains fit, then he will prove to be a cut above the rest in Scotland. Manager of the season: It's difficult to look beyond Derek McInnes. A third-place finish and a couple of trips to Hampden, and you'd expect he'd be in the running for the end-of-season gong. His appointment at Hearts just seems to work. Josh McCafferty Premiership winner: Celtic. The gap between the top two this season won't be as significant as last term, but I expect Brendan Rodgers' men to deliver the goods once more. Third place: Hearts are in for a big season under Derek McInnes, and with no European football to contend with, they will be the best of the rest. Surprise package: Falkirk. Back in the Premiership after back-to-back promotions, John McGlynn's side should stay well clear of the drop and perhaps even push for a top six spot. Relegated: Dundee. Steven Pressley's appointment at Dens Park doesn't fill me with confidence, so I expect his side to go down. Promoted: St Johnstone. Simo Valakari's style should come to the fore in the second tier and ensure the Perth club promptly return to the Premiership. League Cup winner: Rangers. Russell Martin will get off to a strong start at Ibrox and win the first piece of silverware of the season. Scottish Cup winner: Celtic. In what could be a last hurrah for Rodgers, I expect them to retain the cup they so painstakingly lost out on last term. Best signing: Kieran Tierney. Not enough is being made of Celtic securing the services of one of the best left-backs in Britain for free. Should he stay fit, Tierney will thrive this campaign. Player of the season: Benjamin Nygren. The early signs shown by the Swede have been entirely positive. Nygren's versatility will see him become a key player for Celtic. Manager of the season: Derek McInnes. A smart appointment by Hearts, McInnes will bring the fire back to Tynecastle and have a fine season. Blair Meikle Premiership winner: Celtic - Rangers will be improved under Russell Martin and so the gap may close, but Celtic should still be too good for them over the season. They have a core of players who are established as the top force in the country and have made some intriguing additions, with more to follow. Third place: Hearts - After some very interesting business with the help of Jamestown Analytics, Hearts supporters are rightfully feeling optimistic. To be fair, Aberdeen and Hibs have done too but both could have the distraction of European football. Plus, the Derek McInnes factor allied with the new additions could be a marriage made in heaven down Gorgie way. Surprise package: Livingston - I like some of the business David Martindale has done and expect them to stay up comfortably. Relegated: Dundee - The sacking of Tony Docherty screamed of poor judgement at the time and the optics of making an unpopular appointment in Steven Pressley only deepened that feeling. Their shambolic Premier Sports Cup campaign has done nothing to assuage fears for their season ahead, either. Promoted: Ross County - The recruitment of the likes of Ross Docherty and Declan Gallagher is very impressive for the Championship and the Staggies still have Ronan Hale to bang the goals in, unless that changes before the window closes. St Johnstone will push them close but County should get over the line League Cup winner: Hearts Scottish Cup winner: Rangers Best signing: Benjamin Nygren - The fee plays a part here as Celtic were able to get the Swede for a bargain £1.7 million due to his contract status at Nordsjaelland. He could be a star in this Celtic team and anyone leading the way for the champions is in this discussion, especially at that snip of a price. **Islam Chesnokov could take this accolade if Hearts can get him in this summer** Player of the season: Benjamin Nygren - As above Manager of the season: Derek McInnes - If my predictions of Hearts finishing a comfortable third and winning a League Cup come true, then it has to be McInnes. He already has them looking fit and bang up for it and he looks like the man they needed at this time. Ryan McGinlay Premiership winner: Celtic, though we may actually have a title race on our hands in Scotland this year. Third place: If it all clicks for Derek McInnes and his analytically fuelled revamp in Gorgie, then Hearts will finish best of the rest. Surprise package: Falkirk. A fun side to watch, I don't think they will make top-6, though they will stay up comfortably under John McGlynn. Expect offers to come in for their manager if he does well in the top-flight. Relegated: Livingston. A big ask for David Martindale's side, though I think they will be a tough side to beat, especially at home on their new pitch. Promoted: Ayr United. Scott Brown and his [[Celtic]] B contingent look strong this season. The league is up for grabs, and don't be surprised if the play-off winners go up, too. League Cup: Celtic, as they will be hungry to avenge their last visit to Hampden. Scottish Cup: Hearts, provided Tony Bloom's recruitment has clicked into gear at Tynecastle. Best signing: Benjamin Nygren. The signs looked good in pre-season for the Swede at Celtic. Time will tell if he can replicate that in competitive action this year. Player of the Season: Reo Hatate (if he stays). If he stays fit and locked-in as we have seen in glimpses over the years, then he could be in for his most eye-catching season yet at Celtic. Manager of the Season: Derek McInnes. I think he will do a good job at Hearts, with a potential cup run/win cementing his status as one of the league's best managerial operators.
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Our writers make 2025/26 Scottish football predictions
Here are our writers' predictions for the season ahead... Matthew Lindsay Premiership winner: Celtic. It's always difficult offering up predictions when there is still another month until the transfer window closes, but I can't see the defending Scottish champions being deposed this term. They have strengthened their squad with some shrewd acquisitions, not least Scotland defender Kieran Tierney, and will bring in more players in the coming weeks. Speculation about Brendan Rodgers' future may prove a nuisance, but he will be eager to focus on football and atone for the Scottish Cup final defeat. Third place: Hibernian. Both Hearts and Aberdeen will fancy their chances of finishing as the best of the rest, but I anticipate the Easter Road club building on the success they enjoyed last term. Surprise package: Falkirk. I would love to see John McGlynn's men show what can be done with homegrown players and a positive approach. Relegated: Dundee. Promoted: St Johnstone. Simo Valakari was helpless to prevent the Perth club going down last season. But the Finn showed what a good coach he is during his time in charge. League Cup winner: Celtic. Scottish Cup winner: Rangers. Best signing: Djeidi Gassama. The former Paris Saint-Germain kid has started strongly for Rangers with two goals against Panathinaikos. Wingers are notoriously inconsistent and he is young. But he is looking like being a decent bit of business. Player of the season: Callum McGregor. The [[Celtic]] captain was devastated to miss a penalty in the [[Scottish Cup]] final last season. He will be a man on a mission in the 2025/26 campaign. Manager of the season: Brendan Rodgers. Stephen McGowan Premiership winner: Celtic. There are still too many unknown variables with Rangers to predict how consistent Russell Martin's team can be. Third place: Hearts plan to use Tony Bloom's investment and expertise to disrupt the established order. That will take more than one season. Surprise package: Promoted Falkirk will be a pleasure to watch and will surprise people with the style of football they play. Relegated: Difficult to see past Dundee after an underwhelming start to the Steven Pressley era in the Premier Sports Cup Promoted: Ross County will win a tug of war with St Johnstone in Scotland's most competitive league League Cup winner: Rangers Scottish Cup winner: Hearts Best signing: Djeidi Gassama made a quick impact for Rangers on his debut. Expect more of that. Player of the season: If he stays fit - and it is an if - Kieran Tierney will be hugely influential for Celtic. Manager of the season: Derek McInnes feels like the right man at the right time for Hearts Jonny McFarlane Premiership winner: Rangers will close the gap but not enough to take the title and Brendan Rodgers will sign off at Celtic with a third title on the spin. Third place: Hearts, and by a distance. Surprise package: Hearts have impressed in pre-season and bought interesting players with their Jamestown data. With wily campaigner Derek McInnes in charge, I think they might even be in the mix for second if they hit the ground running. Relegated: Dundee. Steven Pressley was an appointment the fans didn't want and are already unhappy with after an abject start to their Premier Sports Cup campaign. They struggled last term, narrowly avoiding the drop and look weakened today. You fear the former Falkirk boss is on a hiding to nothing in Tayside. Promoted: Dunfermline. Neil Lennon's a winner who understands intrinsically what you need to be good at in Scottish football. Marry that with a new owner who will invest, and I can't see past the Pars for automatic promotion. League Cup winner: Rangers. Scottish Cup winner: Hearts. Best signing: Thelo Aasgaard has wowed people behind the scenes at the Rangers training centre with his training showings since arriving from Luton. Big things are expected when he returns to fitness. Player of the season: Callum McGregor. The Celtic captain will be central to any success in Glasgow's East End. Nico Raskin outplayed him in the final Old Firm games of the season and may have something to say if he doesn't depart for pastures new but he will have to improve on even last year's consistency to match his old foe over a 38 game season. Manager of the season: Derek McInnes. Everything about his move to Hearts screams marriage made in heaven. The return of a big, physical Hearts at the Tynecastle caldron will give teams nightmares. Ewan Paton Premiership winner: It's difficult to look beyond Celtic after so many years, bar one, of complete and utter dominance of the Scottish football scene. Brendan Rodgers' contract situation could throw up an interesting storyline, mind you, especially if Rangers can get going under Russell Martin to force a tighter title race. Third place: Hibs. They were comfortably the third-best side last season, and after some smart recruitment by David Gray, I'd imagine they'll fancy their chances of yet again taking the 'best of the rest' crown. A lot will depend on whether or not they achieve European group stage football, though. Surprise package: [[Dundee]] United. They deservedly claimed fourth spot last season, but a bit like Kilmarnock the season prior, they were hardly miles better than the opposition. I can see Jim Goodwin's side struggling towards the bottom this term, especially if they endure a slow start as they balance European qualifiers. Relegated: Falkirk. Surprisingly, this seems to buck the trend, with plenty predicting the Championship winners to take the top-flight by storm. Alternatively, their squad is the weakest in the league, and they don't have enough strength in depth to cope for a full campaign. Promoted: St Johnstone. It's far too early to make judgments based on the Premier Sports Cup groups; however, Saints are free-scoring at the moment. They've made smart additions, and with another one or two before the end of the window, they'll pip Ross County to the title. League Cup winner: Rangers. Scottish Cup winner: Celtic. Best signing: Josh Mulligan will thrive by playing with better players in a more attacking-minded team. He'll prove to be an inspired bit of business by Hibs, and don't be surprised if he's sold for multiple millions next summer. Player of the season: Nicolas Raskin is surely the favourite if he stays put at Ibrox. During the second half of last season, he firmly put himself in the top few best players in the division. With more responsibility as he develops, he'll prove crucial in determining the degree of success experienced under Martin in his debut season at Rangers. Manager of the season: Brendan Rodgers. I always tend to steer clear of either of the big two for this, given the significant advantages they pose over the rest of the league. However, if Celtic win the title for a fifth successive season, and his third in a row, then it would be hard to deny him that accolade. David Irvine Premiership winner: Celtic. Expect Rangers to be improved this season, but there is still too large a gulf between the Glasgow clubs to see the title leaving Parkhead. Third place: Hearts. Derek McInnes will be gunning for third spot in the league and some decent cup runs at Tynecastle. He has the squad and management credentials to achieve. Surprise package: [[Falkirk]]. Despite deserving major plaudits for their recent successes, I expect [[Falkirk]] to struggle in the Scottish Premiership this season. John McGlynn is an excellent coach and will have them playing some decent stuff but they may struggle to grind out results in the top-flight. Relegated: Dundee. We haven't even kicked off the new league season and already there are question marks over Steven Pressley's future at Dens Park. Without a serious turnaround and some new additions, things look very bleak for the season ahead. Promoted: St Johnstone. Simo Valakari found some form with the Perth Saints last season but ultimately couldn't save them. Over the summer, some shrewd signings kickstarted their campaign in the Premier Sports Cup and they look a force to be reckoned with in a tricky Championship. The club knows how easy it is to become lost outside the Scottish Premiership, so have recruited well for a tilt at the title. League Cup winner: Rangers. Scottish Cup winner: Celtic. Best signing: Thelo Aasgaard. Djeidi Gassama has stolen the spotlight for Rangers, but former Luton midfielder Aasgaard will be a key component of Russell Martin's side when he is fit. A talented technician, he could be a difference-maker at Ibrox. Player of the season: Kieran Tierney. A fully fit Tierney would be playing in the Premier League week-in, week out. His return to Celtic is in no small part down to his emotional ties with the club. If he remains fit, then he will prove to be a cut above the rest in Scotland. Manager of the season: It's difficult to look beyond Derek McInnes. A third-place finish and a couple of trips to Hampden, and you'd expect he'd be in the running for the end-of-season gong. His appointment at Hearts just seems to work. Josh McCafferty Premiership winner: Celtic. The gap between the top two this season won't be as significant as last term, but I expect Brendan Rodgers' men to deliver the goods once more. Third place: Hearts are in for a big season under Derek McInnes, and with no European football to contend with, they will be the best of the rest. Surprise package: Falkirk. Back in the Premiership after back-to-back promotions, John McGlynn's side should stay well clear of the drop and perhaps even push for a top six spot. Relegated: Dundee. Steven Pressley's appointment at Dens Park doesn't fill me with confidence, so I expect his side to go down. Promoted: St Johnstone. Simo Valakari's style should come to the fore in the second tier and ensure the Perth club promptly return to the Premiership. League Cup winner: Rangers. Russell Martin will get off to a strong start at Ibrox and win the first piece of silverware of the season. Scottish Cup winner: Celtic. In what could be a last hurrah for Rodgers, I expect them to retain the cup they so painstakingly lost out on last term. Best signing: Kieran Tierney. Not enough is being made of Celtic securing the services of one of the best left-backs in Britain for free. Should he stay fit, Tierney will thrive this campaign. Player of the season: Benjamin Nygren. The early signs shown by the Swede have been entirely positive. Nygren's versatility will see him become a key player for Celtic. Manager of the season: Derek McInnes. A smart appointment by Hearts, McInnes will bring the fire back to Tynecastle and have a fine season. Blair Meikle Premiership winner: Celtic - Rangers will be improved under Russell Martin and so the gap may close, but Celtic should still be too good for them over the season. They have a core of players who are established as the top force in the country and have made some intriguing additions, with more to follow. Third place: Hearts - After some very interesting business with the help of Jamestown Analytics, Hearts supporters are rightfully feeling optimistic. To be fair, Aberdeen and Hibs have done too but both could have the distraction of European football. Plus, the Derek McInnes factor allied with the new additions could be a marriage made in heaven down Gorgie way. Surprise package: Livingston - I like some of the business David Martindale has done and expect them to stay up comfortably. Relegated: Dundee - The sacking of Tony Docherty screamed of poor judgement at the time and the optics of making an unpopular appointment in Steven Pressley only deepened that feeling. Their shambolic Premier Sports Cup campaign has done nothing to assuage fears for their season ahead, either. Promoted: Ross County - The recruitment of the likes of Ross Docherty and Declan Gallagher is very impressive for the Championship and the Staggies still have Ronan Hale to bang the goals in, unless that changes before the window closes. St Johnstone will push them close but County should get over the line League Cup winner: Hearts Scottish Cup winner: Rangers Best signing: Benjamin Nygren - The fee plays a part here as Celtic were able to get the Swede for a bargain £1.7 million due to his contract status at Nordsjaelland. He could be a star in this Celtic team and anyone leading the way for the champions is in this discussion, especially at that snip of a price. **Islam Chesnokov could take this accolade if Hearts can get him in this summer** Player of the season: Benjamin Nygren - As above Manager of the season: Derek McInnes - If my predictions of Hearts finishing a comfortable third and winning a League Cup come true, then it has to be McInnes. He already has them looking fit and bang up for it and he looks like the man they needed at this time. Ryan McGinlay Premiership winner: Celtic, though we may actually have a title race on our hands in Scotland this year. Third place: If it all clicks for Derek McInnes and his analytically fuelled revamp in Gorgie, then Hearts will finish best of the rest. Surprise package: Falkirk. A fun side to watch, I don't think they will make top-6, though they will stay up comfortably under John McGlynn. Expect offers to come in for their manager if he does well in the top-flight. Relegated: Livingston. A big ask for David Martindale's side, though I think they will be a tough side to beat, especially at home on their new pitch. Promoted: Ayr United. Scott Brown and his [[Celtic]] B contingent look strong this season. The league is up for grabs, and don't be surprised if the play-off winners go up, too. League Cup: Celtic, as they will be hungry to avenge their last visit to Hampden. Scottish Cup: Hearts, provided Tony Bloom's recruitment has clicked into gear at Tynecastle. Best signing: Benjamin Nygren. The signs looked good in pre-season for the Swede at Celtic. Time will tell if he can replicate that in competitive action this year. Player of the Season: Reo Hatate (if he stays). If he stays fit and locked-in as we have seen in glimpses over the years, then he could be in for his most eye-catching season yet at Celtic. Manager of the Season: Derek McInnes. I think he will do a good job at Hearts, with a potential cup run/win cementing his status as one of the league's best managerial operators.
