Murray hints Le Guen is safe for this season

Votes of confidence rarely instil any, and public votes of confidence only highlight how perilous a manager's position has become. But in the wake of Rangers' midweek home defeat in the CIS Cup by St Johnstone and murmurs that Paul Le Guen could face the sack before Christmas unless results improve, David Murray, the club's chairman, suggested that the Frenchman will get a season at least to work his magic. Rangers lie third in the SPL ahead of today's visit to Ibrox by Dunfermline, but are 15 points behind leaders Celtic.

"At the start of the season, it was widely acknowledged that Paul was a great appointment and I have no reason to change my mind," Murray said. "There have been voices of discontent but it only makes Paul and I more determined."

Rangers' captain, Barry Ferguson, will be available again after a rib injury, while the Czech midfielder, Libor Sionko is also fit again.

Celtic, who play tomorrow at St Mirren, have doubts over Paul Telfer (flu), Jiri Jarosik (ankle) and Maciej Zurawski (leg strain) following their midweek CIS Cup defeat to Falkirk.