Football: Rangers miss McCall

ALREADY hindered by the loss of Ally McCoist, Rangers will have to make do without another international, Stuart McCall, for the forseeable future. The former Everton midfield player aggravated an old groin injury last weekend and, after seeing a specialist in London, is awaiting an operation to repair torn muscles.

McCoist, who hit 49 goals prior to breaking a leg on international duty last term, will not be back for about six weeks, after X-rays showed that his recovery has not been as rapid as expected. The champions recall John Brown and Alexei Mikhailichenko for today's trip to Perth to face St Johnstone. 'We have yet to hit last season's form,' Walter Smith, the Ibrox manager, said.

At Parkhead, Pat McGinlay could make his first Premier Division start for Celtic against his former club, Hibernian. Like Smith, Liam Brady, the Celtic manager, is yet to be satisfied. 'I'm not happy about the way we've played so far,' he said.

Hibernian hope to sign Michael O'Neill, Dundee United's Northern Ireland international forward, for pounds 200,000, while Hearts have offered pounds 300,000 for Hamilton's 24-year-old defender, Jim Weir.