Football: Kilmarnock's desire makes Rangers wary

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL: After the passion and petulance of last Sunday's hard-fought win at their only Premier Division title rivals, Celtic, Rangers will be hoping for a calmer afternoon's work against Kilmarnock at Ibrox today.

The champions will be fielding a depleted side once again, however, with the suspended Mark Hateley and Ian Ferguson missing along with the injured Andy Goram, Richard Gough and Paul Gascoigne. Those players fit to turn out will be facing opponents battling against relegation, but Walter Smith, the Rangers manager, is still wary of Kilmarnock.

"Kilmarnock side are showing a great desire to stay in the Premier Division," Smith said. "We showed great determination to beat Celtic last Sunday despite selection problems and we need even more this week."

Kilmarnock, who beat Celtic 2-0 earlier this month, may include the former Rangers midfielder Robert Prytz. The 37-year-old Swede joined the Ayrshire side this week.

Celtic, who travel to Dunfermline, will be without Malky Mackay and Paolo Di Canio, who are both suspended after last week's Old Firm battle. Tom Boyd is available again but Alan Stubbs and Enrico Annoni face fitness tests.

Dundee United protect their 16-match unbeaten run against Raith Rovers - the side their manager, Tommy McLean, took charge of for a week earlier in the season. Stewart McKimmie could make his debut in United's defence after his arrival from Aberdeen.