Serbian defender Marko Ivezic has declared himself ready to make his long-awaited Hibernian debut following a bout of serious illness that has kept him sidelined since joining the club in early September from German outfit Holstein Kiel. The 24-year-old has now completed his first full training sessions at Hibernian's warm-weather training camp in La Manga and believes he is prepared to contribute to the team's efforts under new head coach Marink Reedijk, who took charge after David Gray's departure following six consecutive home defeats.
Ivezic explained that the virus he contracted proved particularly debilitating during his early weeks at Easter Road.
"I had a really bad virus,"the defender revealed, describing the setback that delayed his integration into the squad. Having now recovered his fitness through intensive training in Spain, Ivezic stated he was "ready maximum to train and to be an option" for Reedijk's side as they prepare for their next Premiership fixture against Aberdeen on 29 September.
What is the latest on Celtic's managerial situation?
Former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady has reported hearing speculation that Kieran McKenna, the former Ipswich Town manager, could be a candidate to become Celtic's next head coach. However, the reports remain unconfirmed hearsay with no indication that Celtic have formally approached McKenna or reached any agreement. The speculation emerged as Martin O'Neill, the current Celtic manager, indicated he would take time to reflect on his future following the club's 1-0 defeat to Rangers at Celtic Park on 20 September, though he had not made any announcement by late September. McKenna, who departed Ipswich Town during the summer, was available and out of work at the time the speculation surfaced.
What other transfer activity is being discussed?
Rangers right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic is attracting interest from foreign clubs, according to reports from Serbia. The 20-year-old arrived at Ibrox on a summer loan transfer from Aston Villa but has yet to establish himself as a regular starter in the Rangers lineup.
McGeady has also disclosed that Dundee technical director Gordon Strachan has invited him to contribute to the club's coaching setup on an informal basis. The former Celtic winger will assist head coach Steven Pressley with the development of Dundee's attacking players, working with both wingers and forwards as required.
Aberdeen's newly appointed chief executive Adrian Bevington is expected to leverage his extensive professional network to create fresh opportunities for the club. Former Rangers striker Mark Hateley highlighted that Bevington's previous roles with the English Football Association, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa position him well to open new doors for the Pittodrie outfit.
What other stories are making headlines in Scottish football?
Daniel Church, a full-back who began his career at Celtic as a teenager, has taken a different path after his playing days ended prematurely. Despite being monitored by Manchester United at age 15 while with Celtic, Church was forced to retire at 25 after being advised that he would require spinal surgery carrying significant risks. Medical professionals indicated the procedure might extend his career by only a couple of additional years, making it an unviable option. Church has since transitioned to working as a barber, having previously played for East Fife, Dumbarton, Alloa Athletic and Queen of the South.
Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has expressed concern about the club's decision to schedule an Oasis concert for the evening of the 60th anniversary of Celtic's historic 1967 European Cup victory. McAvennie believes the club has not adequately considered the feelings of supporters regarding the timing of the event.
The Scottish Football Association has upheld Heart of Midlothian's complaint regarding a disallowed goal in the club's recent 1-1 Scottish Premiership draw against Kilmarnock. The SFA confirmed that the decision to rule out the goal scored by Hearts midfielder Laurent Mendy for a handball offence was correct according to the laws of the game.
Key Facts
- Marko Ivezic has recovered from illness and completed full training sessions at Hibernian's La Manga camp ahead of potential debut under new head coach Marink Reedijk
- Kieran McKenna is being discussed as a potential Celtic managerial candidate, though no formal approach has been confirmed
- Hibernian face Aberdeen in their next Premiership fixture on 29 September
- Kosta Nedeljkovic is attracting foreign interest despite limited playing time at Rangers this season
- The Scottish Football Association has confirmed the validity of the disallowed goal decision in Hearts' match against Kilmarnock
