David Weir has won his fitness battle and Ferguson content with Barca draw ...
Projects ...
Clampdown on wildlife criminals ... will face Fiorentina on Thursday - but Kirk Broadfoot appears likely to be replaced with Christian Dailly.

Veteran Weir had been ruled out earlier this week after limping off during Sunday's domestic defeat by Celtic.

But he will now partner Carlos Cuellar in Rangers' central defence for the Uefa Cup semi-final second leg.

Dailly had been on stand-by to take Weir's place but will be preferred to Broadfoot at right-back.

Broadfoot, who was acquired from St Mirren as a central defender, has been filling the gap on the right since Alan Hutton was sold to Tottenham Hotspur in January.

But, after a promising start, his form has dipped in recent weeks and manager Walter Smith appears likely to prefer experienced Scotland international Dailly.

Steven Davis, who had a groin complaint after Sunday's match, has recovered from injury and will partner Barry Ferguson and Kevin Thomson in midfield following their return from European suspension.

Weir's recovery will come as welcome news to Smith, who is without Allan McGregor, Lee McCulloch, Charlie Adam, Steven Naismith, Chris Burke and DaMarcus Beasley through injury.

Rangers had initially ruled Weir out, but the 37-year-old travelled to Italy and was to be given a late fitness test.

Smith, whose side drew 0-0 in the first leg, told his club website: "It is now possible that Davie will play.

"When he came off on Sunday, we thought he would miss the Fiorentina match.

"But he has made a great recovery and there is now a chance he will make it.

"It's obviously a boost for us because he and Carlos Cuellar - along with Allan McGregor behind them - have been key players for us this season."

Rangers: Alexander, Weir, Papac, Hemdani, Novo, Darcheville, Broadfoot, Cuellar, Whittaker, Dailly, Davis, Ferguson, Thomson, G Smith, Buffel, Boyd, Cousin, Faye.

(BBC)

<< Back