Le Guen puts ball into Burke's court

The Rangers manager, Paul Le Guen, has put pressure on Chris Burke to come to a decision over his Ibrox future. The winger, who is 23 today, is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning he will be free to speak to other clubs in January. Rangers are keen to hold on to the highly rated youngster but contract talks with his father, who acts as his agent, have stalled.

"I am hopeful," Le Guen said. "It's time now to make a decision, that is clear. It's not long before January arrives and we need to know. But it is up to him."

Tomorrow, the Rangers defender Steven Smith faces a late fitness test ahead of the Premier League trip to Falkirk. For Falkirk, Anthony Stokes, the 18-year-old striker, who Celtic confirmed they have been watching with a view to a possible bid, is suspended after receiving two bookings during the 4-2 defeat at Motherwell.

The Celtic striker Shaun Maloney has been ruled out of the visit of Aberdeen with an ankle injury.

Goalkeeper David Marshall is back in the squad after a virus but defender Gary Caldwell and striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink remain unfit.

The Hearts striker Michal Pospisil is fit again for the game against St Mirren and the head coach, Valdas Ivanauskas, has promised to strive for a settled team following a period of turmoil at Tynecastle.