Football: Thern ready to return for Rangers

Rangers hope that the return of two of their overseas contingent for today's match at home to Kilmarnock will restore their fortunes, following last week's defeat by Dundee United.

The Scottish champions have been without Jonas Thern for the last nine weeks because of a knee injury, but the Swede is expected to return today. Sergio Porrini is back after missing the Dundee United defeat with an ankle injury.

Kilmarnock will be without their goalkeeper, Dragoje Lekovic, who suffered a knee injury while training with his Yugoslav colleagues before their World Cup play-off victory over Hungary in Budapest in midweek. The youngster Colin Meldrum retains his place.

Celtic will attempt to strengthen their position at the top of the table when they travel to Dunfermline, who are still without their injured captain, Craig Robertson.

Darren Jackson and Tommy Johnson are both fit again after injury, but Wim Jansen, the Celtic coach, has not recalled them to squad as he says they need match practice.

John Robertson, the Hearts veteran, hopes to make his 500th appearance for the club at Aberdeen today. The Frenchman Stephane Adam, who has been preferred to Robertson recently, is suspended.