Rangers' Rob Kiernan available for Old Firm clash despite possible misconduct charge

Rob Kiernan will be free to face Celtic despite facing a possible misconduct charge after allegedly swinging a punch at St Johnstone's Steven Anderson, Clyde Sport understands.

TV pictures appear to show the Rangers defender aiming a jab at his Perth rival during Wednesday night's 1-1 draw at McDiarmid Park.

Anderson has already called on the Scottish Football Association to throw the book at the former Wigan centre-back, and compliance officer Tony McGlennan is reviewing the footage.

But no action can be taken before Saturday's Old Firm showdown at Ibrox, meaning Light Blues boss Mark Warburton - who is already sweating on the fitness of Lee Wallace and Clint Hill - has avoided an even bigger defensive headache ahead of facing Brendan Rodgers' rampant Hoops.

The rules for the SFA's fast-track hearings process state that the compliance officer has two working days to raise a complaint against a player accused of misconduct during a match, with the player's response due by the third working day.

That means it will be Monday before Kiernan will have to answer any potential charge.

But Anderson expects Fulham target Kiernan - who was at fault for Steven MacLean's equaliser as Gers dropped 16 points behind their bitter rivals at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership - to be punished.

Anderson warned: If that's the way he wants to play then it's up to him - but he is going to get done for it.It was a corner and he caught me in the ribs. Brian Easton saw it as well. It was a clear punch on me.

You can't do that in football games. I'm not bothered but if it gets highlighted then he deserves it.

There was nothing happened before it. I was marking him at a corner and there was a bit of argy bargy - then he punched me.

The referee said he did not see it and you can understand it because there was a lot going on in the box.''