No Spurs move for Laursen

Ulrik Laursen is a hugely popular player at Easter Road

Hibernian manager Alex McLeish has dismissed newspaper speculation that Tottenham are lining up a bid for stylish defender Ulrik Laursen.

Spurs boss Glenn Hoddle has revealed that he is confident of signing a new goalkeeper and defender ahead of next week's Premiership kick-off.

The North London club are rumoured to be interested in signing the 25-year-old Danish star, but the link was given no encouragement at Easter Road.

McLeish said: "I've seen these stories this morning, but that's just speculation really. What can you do about it?"

Laursen, who is equally comfortable in a left wing-back role or at centre half, arrived at Easter Road a year ago and was an instant hit with his powerful forward running and sound defensive skills.

McLeish moved swiftly to extend Laursen's stay in Edinburgh, with the player signing a new four year deal towards the end of last season.

Meanwhile, the Hibernian manager is confident that defender Ulises de la Cruz will return from international duty to face Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday.

Hibs hope to have de la Cruz back for Ibrox

McLeish was without his record signing for the weekend's win over Aberdeen after the right wing-back flew out for Ecuador's World Cup qualifier with Argentina.

After recording their first victory of the season, De la Cruz looks set to give Hibernian another boost ahead of their trip to Glasgow.

McLeish added: "We've only got Ulises away this week which is a bonus.

"He's playing in South America on Wednesday against Argentina and hopefully he'll be back before the weekend.

"He's only been away twice with Ecuador this season, so it's not really causing us any problems."

McLeish also admitted that his side needed to get their first three points under their belt before going to Ibrox.

The Edinburgh side, who have a Uefa Cup campaign to look forward to, moved to within three points of Rangers with the defeat of the Dons.

McLeish said: "I was happy with the performance and the result.

"That kicks off our season and now we've got three points and our first win, so we'll be confident going there.

"I think we most definitely needed that before going to Ibrox and hopefully we can build on that good work next week."