Rangers dealt Lafferty injury blow

Scottish champions Rangers could be without striker Kyle Lafferty for the start of the new season due to a groin problem.

Ibrox manager Ally McCoist said the Northern Irishman would be sent home early from the club’s pre-season tour of Germany in order to see a specialist.

“It was a little bit disturbing last night when we learned that Kyle has a problem with his groin,” McCoist told the club website.

“The doctors and the physios had a look at him and decided it was a niggle that wasn’t going to clear up over here.

“So we have decided to send Kyle home and he is down to see a specialist on Tuesday to try to get to the bottom of the problem.

“We will know better when we get back from Germany but it is a little concerning.”

The 23-year-old played a starring role in Rangers’ run-in last season, including netting a hat-trick in the win at Kilmarnock on the last day that secured the championship.