AS many as four Rangers players could be heading for the exit door at Ibrox when the transfer window reopens next month, Neil Lennon says that Rangers will feel the pressure now after the champions opened up a five-point gap at the Premiership summit and former Kilmarnock manager Angelo Alessio has opened up about his departure from the Ayrshire club.

Alessio: Sacking is difficult to understand

Angelo Alessio, who was sacked by Kilmarnock on Wednesday afternoon, remains perplexed about the reason for his dismissal from the Rugby Park hot seat. He told the Scottish Sun: “Kilmarnock have decided to go in a different direction and I don’t know why. It’s football. I need to just accept the decision and move on, but it is very surprising for me.”

Rangers 'set for January transfer overhaul'

Four of the squad players on the books at Ibrox could be set to leave the club next month as sporting director Ross Wilson plans an overhaul of the squad, according to the Daily Record. Jamie Murphy, Greg Docherty and Matt Polster could all be sold while Andy King could have his loan spell in Govan cut short.

Peterborough target Docherty

The Scotsman are reporting that Greg Docherty is on the radar of Peterborough United, with the English League One side said to be keen on finalising a deal next month. Manager Darren Ferguson was reportedly impressed with the 23-year-old's performances for Shrewsbury Town when on loan last season and believes Docherty would be an asset to his squad.

Lennon lays down the gauntlet

Celtic moved five points clear of Rangers at the top of the table courtesy of last night's 2-0 win over Hearts at Tynecastle, with manager Neil Lennon claiming that the pressure is all on their title rivals now. He said: "It puts pressure on the rest of the teams around us to win their games. I can’t ask any more. That’s what we set out to do tonight, win the game, and we’ve done that with a bit of style as well."

Morelos thanks team-mates after breaking UEFA record

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos has paid a heartfelt tribute to his Rangers team-mates for helping him to become the first player to score 14 goals in Europe before Christmas. "It is amazing to find out that I have broken this record, but of course it wouldn’t be possible without all of my team-mates helping me," he said.

Zamalek put £5 million price tag on Rangers 'target'

Egyptian striker Mostafa Mohamed will not be sold for anything less than £5 million, according to the Daily Record. The 22-year-old is reportedly a target for Rangers, although two other European clubs have already made bids for the Zamalek forward.

'Big four' crucial to Hearts survivial, says Strachan

Former Celtic, Middlesbrough and Scotland boss Gordon Strachan believes that Hearts will be able to fight off relegation this season - once the injured quartet of Steven Naismith, Peter Haring, Connor Washington and John Souttar return to first-team action. Strachan said: "I think if they get the four players back, they've not got a problem with relegation."

Gerrard can end Celtic dominance, insists Riise

Former Liverpool full-back John Arne Riise has back his old team-mate Steven Gerrard to bring Celtic's dominance of Scottish football to an end. “I accept some people will point to the fact Stevie hasn’t won a trophy yet but you have to look at the whole picture because Celtic have been the dominant team in Scotland for many years now,” said Riise. “But he likes that challenge and that’s why he went to Rangers."