Scottish Football: Rieper ready to make Celtic debut

Dutch winger Regi Blinker is ruled out of the Celtic side for the match against Aberdeen after dislocating his shoulder in the Uefa Cup draw with Liverpool in midweek, but Danish defender Marc Rieper is set to make his home debut after his pounds 1.5m move from West Ham.

Second-placed Hearts are again looking to Jim Hamilton in attack after his double against St Johnstone last week. Defender Dave McPherson is back in training, but this match has probably come too soon for him. Struggling Dundee United may give a debut to Swedish defender Magnus Skoldmark if they can get international clearance.

Greig Denham is ruled out of the Motherwell side by suspension following his sending-off in the 3-2 defeat by Celtic last week and Steve Craigan could come into the defence as they chase their first home League victory of the season. Leaders Hibs could be without John Hughes, Lee Power and Paul Tosh, although striker Kevin Harper is set to return to the side.

St Johnstone are struggling to raise a side because of injuries. Central defender Jim Weir and midfielder Leigh Jenkinson are among eight players who could be sidelined for the showdown with the champions, Rangers, who will be without Jonas Thern. However, Alex Cleland and Stale Stensaas are expected to return after missing the 2-1 Uefa Cup defeat in Strasbourg.