Bollan in squad to face former club

The new Motherwell signing, Gary Bollan, is hoping to take part in his third game in six days today when he returns to his former club, Rangers.

The 30-year-old signed for Motherwell last week after being released by Dundee United. He had not played a first-team game for the Tannadice club since August and was thrust into Under-21 action by his Motherwell manager, Terry Butcher.

He played all 90 minutes of the Under-21s' 2-0 defeat at Dundee and an hour of the home loss to Partick's second string two days later.

Bollan, who was a fringe player at Rangers from 1995 to 1998, has now been included in the squad to take on the champions today. However, a place on the bench seems most likely for the left-back position is currently occupied by Steven Hammell.

"He came through the games well," Butcher said yesterday. "He has done a lot of fitness work and looks sharp. But we play at a high tempo and Gary is not quite there yet."

A home win for Rangers would see Celtic's lead at the top cut to eight points, at least until tomorrow when Martin O'Neill's side face a tricky trip to Hearts.

At the other end of the table, the bottom club, Partick, are at home to the side directly above them, Dundee.

A home win would see Partick move to six points behind their rivals and the Firhill club have signed the goalkeeper Jamie Langfield until the end of the season. Langfield was one of 15 players who were sacked by Dundee when they went into administration in November, and Jim Duffy's side has not won in the League since. Thistle's joint player-manager, Gerry Britton, is banned from both the pitch and the dug-out after being sent off for violent conduct in a reserve game earlier in the week.

Dundee United are set to welcome back goalkeeper Tony Bullock, defender Chris Innes and midfielder Barry Robson following absences through injury. Aberdeen are the visitors at Tannadice and their captain, Russell Anderson, is poised to make his 200th appearance for the club. Bryan Prunty could make his debut after signing from Celtic, with the striker having netted for the reserves this week.

Dunfermline travel to Kilmarnock in search of their first League win at Rugby Park since 1992. Killie look set to be without Peter Canero, who is close to completing a £250,000 move to Leicester City.

Hibernian make the short journey west to Livingston but must do so without Grant Brebner, who broke his arm in six places against Rangers last week.