Scottish Football: Gough takes the strain

RICHARD GOUGH, the injured Rangers captain, hopes to be able to lead the runaway Premier Division leaders against his old club, Dundee United, today.

Gough and Stuart McCall are having treatment on groin injuries as Rangers prepare for the trip to Tannadice and attempt to extend their unbeaten run to 36 matches. Gough limped off with a groin injury against Airdrie last week in only his second match back after a lengthy lay-off. The Ibrox manager, Walter Smith, said: 'Richard is touch-and-go but I will give him every chance.'

Dundee United, 19 points behind Rangers and struggling to qualify for Europe, are without Gary Bollan (knee) and Jim McInally (suspended).

Aberdeen, nine points behind Rangers in second place, continue their hopeful pursuit without their injured defender, Gary Smith, against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park. The Aberdeen attack will be spearheaded by Eoin Jess and Scott Booth, who made such an impact in the midweek internationals at senior and Under-21 levels.