RANGERS' Finnish striker Jonatan Johansson might be a Derby County player before the week is out, writes Ian Paul.

The English club have offered #1.5m for the striker, who cost Rangers #500,000 from FC Flora of Estonia 18 months ago, and that has been accepted by the Ibrox club. Johansson has been a very important contributor to the Ibrox cause this season, especially in Europe where he scored five goals, but was sidelined through injury recently.

Since then, the arrival of Stephane Guivarc'h and now Neil McCann has made places in the top side even more difficult to attain and it may be that the Finn will prefer to head south, where a first team slot seems to be assured.

Dundee United forgotten man Goran Marklund has gone to Sweden on loan - and could be set for a permanent switch to his homeland.

The 23-year-old, signed for #200,000 last year, has rejoined his former club Vaselund for an extended period.

Meanwhile, United skipper Iain Jenkins has been told he is no nearer to making his return to the side following a long-term back problem.

The Northern Irish player has not been involved since September and had an injection last week in a bid to clear up the trouble, however, it has not helped in the way it was hoped and the doctors are looking for a new solution.

Injured Brian Hamilton faces a Christmas in plaster wondering if a horror injury has put paid to his Falkirk career.

Hamilton will not kick a ball for another five weeks after suffering a hairline fracture on Saturday and his contract expires on January 31.

Head injury victim Marino Keith will begin full training on Monday having been out for a month.

Morton players battled among themselves yesterday in a paintball exercise - and it was all aimed at building team spirit.

The First division club chairman Hugh Scott said: ''The idea is to get everyone involved and working together. We may have another day out next week and try clay pigeon shooting.''

Morton have had their #70,000 bid for Kilmarnock midfielder John Henry turned down but last night tabled an increased offer. Henry is on loan to Falkirk.

Partick Thistle have extended the loan of striker Paul Tosh from Hibs and he will now remain with them over Christmas and New Year.

St Mirren will not advertise for a new manager following the departure of Tony Fitzpatrick. The directors will meet on Saturday to draw up a short list that interest the club before making any moves.