Celtic hero reveals shock Scott Brown snub as Rangers edge closer to key deal with 13-time international

Two of the most in-form teams in the Scottish Premiership will collide at Pittodrie as league leaders Celtic make the trip to high-flying Aberdeen.

A victory for the Hoops will give them a seven point cushion over the Dons at the top of the Premiership table while a victory for Jimmy Thelin’s side will only amplify the hype surrounding his team’s impressive start to the season as the Reds chase a first league title since 1985.

Rangers fans will have one eye on the outcome of the crucial clash in North East Scotland as they look to claw their way back into contention after a subdued start to the campaign.

The Light Blues, who have been formidable at home with six wins and one draw this term, play host to a Kilmarnock side who registered a shock victory over Rangers in their last meeting at Rugby Park.

Ahead of an action-packed evening at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, Glasgow World rounds-up the biggest new stories from both Old Firm clubs.

James Forrest reveals Scott Brown snub

Experienced Celtic winger James Forrest has confirmed his desire to extend his 15-year association with the Hoops first team by signing a one-year contract extension which runs until 2026.

The one-club man has made over 500 appearances for his boyhood club and is on course to become the most decorated player in Celtic’s history if he can add to his trophy cabinet this season.

Forrest told Celtic’s club website that he’s delighted to be contributing to the team for another year, but also revealed that former club legend Scott Brown had hatched a shock exit plan for him if the Parkhead club didn’t extend his deal.

Celtic icon Brown is currently the manager of high-flying Ayr United in the Scottish Championship, where he did have former Hoops winger Aiden McGeady before his retirement last year.

But Forrest insists he still has unfinished business at Celtic and it not ready to drop down to the second tier just yet.

In an interview with Record Sport, he explained: “Aye, he actually phoned me, I think he asked me last January, February if I'd go down! What was my answer? Just no yet! I don't even think he said I would get a game, he said I could compete for a place!”

Rangers edge closer to key deal as talks take place

Rangers boss Philippe Clement has expressed his desire to extend the contract of star defender John Souttar.

The 28-year-old centre-back has emerged as a pivotal player in the Light Blues' defence and has been on the team’s outstanding performers despite their slow start.

The 13-time Scottish international is seen as a key leader in the dressing room and is viewed as someone that can help the team climb back into title contention.

Clement told Glasgow Times: “[With John] it’s on the table and it’s progressed when things are arranged.

"But that’s not the case yet. We will see what happens in the next couple of months. He still has a year and a half to go. But he knows I’m happy with his evolution and that shows in his play.

“He’s been our best defender this season, the most regular one in our team, and he has progressed really well. He has become stronger in his duels and his handling of the ball.

“We still see things that he can make better but we want to make them better together. I’m really happy with what he's been showing.”