Rangers to blood new Dutchman

Scottish football

Peter van Vossen, Rangers' new Dutchman, is unlikely to be given much time to discover Glasgow's myriad charms. Signed this week from the Turkish club Istanbulspor in a straight swap for Oleg Salenko, Van Vossen appears certain to be selected by Walter Smith as the champions face a resurgent Hearts at Ibrox today.

Rangers hold only a two-point advantage over Celtic at the top of the Premier Division, their Glasgow rivals having won their last two games. Smith will be without Paul Gascoigne, who starts a two-match ban, Stuart McCall and Derek McInnes, while Ally McCoist is rated only doubtful. Hence Van Vossen's hurried introduction.

Hearts have a doubt over John Robertson, but Gary MacKay will break the club appearance record, held by Henry Smith, by playing his 477th game.

Celtic travel to Rugby Park to confront Kilmarnock and face an anxious wait on the fitness of the influential Andreas Thom. Their hosts are likely to name an unchanged side for the third successive game.