Football: Whyte's experience will be vital, says Miller

The Aberdeen manager, Alex Miller, believes Derek Whyte's experience could be a vital factor in the club's quest to climb off the bottom of the Scottish Premier Division table.

Whyte makes his debut against Kilmarnock today after signing a three- year deal following his move from Middlesbrough for a nominal fee.

Miller, who is also No 2 to Scotland's coach, Craig Brown, said: "I've already made it clear that I felt we were lacking in strength in depth. Derek is exactly the type of player the club needs at this time, because he has played at the highest level."

Whyte, who has won 10 caps for Scotland, was transferred to Middlesbrough from Celtic for pounds 950,000 in 1992, after making more than 200 appearances for the Parkhead club. The former Celtic player had been on a week-to- week contract at Middlesbrough, and turned down a move to Tranmere earlier in the season as they could not agree personal terms.

The league leaders, Hearts, entertain Rangers at Tynecatle. The Hearts winger Neil McCann is expected to recover from an ankle injury. Rangers' Danish forward Brian Laudrup is expected to feature at some stage after a persistent back problem. Richard Gough has joined his fellow hamstring victim Andy Goram on the sidelines, while Jonas Thern has returned to Sweden to deal with family business.

Celtic, who entertain Hibernian, will be without their Danish central defender, Marc Rieper, due to a calf injury. Stephane Mahe is also doubtful with a thigh problem. Enrico Annoni and David Hannah are ready to step in.

Partick Thistle and Falkirk have been barred from signing new players by the Scottish League. The move has been taken because both clubs still owe money from previous deals. Partick still owe money to Forfar after signing Alan Morgan while Falkirk owe Dundee United money for Marino Keith.

Today's Second Division match between Albion Rovers and Abroath has been switched to Arbroath, because Rovers were refused a safety certificate for their Cliftonhill ground.