Rangers receive McCulloch boost

Rangers have been given a boost ahead of their Old Firm clash at title rivals Celtic after it emerged midfielder Lee McCulloch is available following the club’s decision to appeal a red card.

McCulloch was one of two Rangers players, along with Dorin Goian, sent off in their 2-1 defeat at St Mirren at the weekend with both players suspended for tonight’s crunch game at Parkhead.

But with the Scottish FA’s fast track tribunal hearing unlikely to be convened before tomorrow, Rangers’ decision to appeal means McCulloch is available for the clash at Parkhead.

Rangers manager Ally McCoist said the decision to dismiss McCulloch was “harsh”, but insists he is not trying to exploit a SFA loophole by appealing the red card.

The midfielder was dismissed against St Mirren on Saturday for violent conduct in an incident with Graham Carey.

McCoist said: “My initial reaction was that it was harsh and I still feel that. That’s why we are exercising our right to appeal it.”

When put to McCoist that he could be seen to be “pulling a fast one”, the Rangers boss said: “I don’t agree with that.

“That’s not true to be honest. I still think Lee’s sending-off was harsh.”

While McCulloch is free to play, Goian remains suspended.

After Celtic beat Kilmarnock at the weekend, Rangers saw their lead in the Scottish Premier League cut down to a fragile one point ahead of tonight’s match.

Playing today (20.45): Aberdeen vs Hearts; Celtic vs Rangers; Hibs vs Inverness; Motherwell vs Dunferm-line; St Johnstone vs Kilmarnock, St Mirren vs Dundee Utd.