THE future of St Mirren, the Bell’s Scottish first division club, has been secured after the Scottish Executive decided not to call in planning applications to sell their Love Street ground to a supermarket chain.

St Mirren will now be able to raise enough money to pay off a £2 million debt and build a new stadium to meet Bank of Scotland Premierleague criteria.

Stewart Gilmour, the St Mirren chairman, has heralded the decision. “You could feel the relief in and around Love Street when the news came through,” he said. “That decision means we can now go ahead doing what is necessary to clear our crippling long-term debts and build a new stadium in Paisley.

“It also means that the club’s 128-year link with Paisley remains and this will no doubt be welcomed by the many tens of thousands of people here and abroad who hold an affection for their home-town club.

“I thank the Scottish Executive, who took the decision not to call in our application and allow us to proceed with our proposals. We will now start the rebuilding process both at St Mirren and in the north end of Paisley. We said all along that our proposals could be the catalyst for the regeneration of the North of Paisley and I am sure this will be the case.”

Alex McLeish, the Rangers manager, has ruled Federico Nieto, his striker, out of Saturday’s Old Firm showdown. The young Argentinian is recovering from an ankle problem but will not be involved against Celtic at Ibrox.

The 21-year-old, who is on a six-month loan from Almagro, was struck down with the injury in training almost a fornight ago but it had been suggested that he was ready to return.

“Unfortunately, he went over on his ankle in training and it has taken time to settle,” McLeish said. “It will be next week before he gets back into full training.”

McLeish also prepares to face Rangers’ main rivals without Fernando Ricksen, the Dutchman, who is suspended.

Bolton Wanderers have signed Hidetoshi Nakata on a season-long loan, but while his abilities on the pitch are of most concern, it has not gone unnoticed in the boardroom that Japan’s most famous player will boost the club’s profile in the lucrative Asian market. Nakata is expected to make his debut against Everton on Sunday after joining from Fiorentina, the Italian Serie A club.

Sam Allardyce, the Bolton manager, is confident that, at 28, Nakata’s best years are ahead of him. “His talent, focus and belief in himself will be a great addition for us,” he said.

James Beattie, the Everton forward, has been ruled out for up to a month after spraining a toe during the 2-0 defeat by Manchester United on Saturday. It was feared that he had suffered a broken foot.

“James has badly sprained a toe joint,” Mick Rathbone, the Everton physiotherapist, said. “We anticipate it could be some weeks before he is fit.”

Newcastle United are ready to renew their interest in Nicolas Anelka after being encouraged by reports that the France forward is agitating to leave Fenerbahçe.

At the request of the Turkish club, Newcastle called off their pursuit of Anelka last week but are now prepared to submit a second offer for him.