Football: Smith frets on fitness

WALTER SMITH, the Rangers manager, is a worried man. The champions go to Aberdeen today with Ally McCoist, Alexei Mikhailichenko, John Brown and Dave McPherson all recalled. Smith, though, knows they are not all fit. Aberdeen could be without Duncan Shearer, Theo Snelders and Paul Kane.

Phil O'Donnell, Celtic's pounds 1.75m buy from Motherwell, replaces Paul McStay, who has an ankle injury, in the home match against Hibernian, who are again without Keith Wright.

Partick give a debut to striker Rod McDonald, who signed yesterday from Walsall, against Motherwell. Hearts could feature the former Scotland midfielder, Jim Bett, at home to Kilmarnock. They are awaiting clearance from Bett's previous club in Iceland.

Dundee United and Falkirk meet at Tannadice. Both seek wins after losing in the Scottish Coca-Cola Cup in midweek.