Rangers to have 'four or five' players back for Celtic clash

Rangers will have "four or five'' players back for the visit of Celtic after edging into the Europa League group stage following a goalless draw with 10-man Alashkert.

Assistant manager Gary McAllister claimed his team would be "well bolstered'' for the derby clash at Ibrox after being hit by Covid-19 issues.

Manager Steven Gerrard did not travel to Armenia along with several key players including James Tavernier, Ryan Kent, Scott Wright and Calvin Bassey, while Kemar Roofe and John Lundstram were suspended.

Rangers gave few details this week about their coronavirus issues, only confirming there were positive tests and that close contacts'' were also in self-isolation.

But with rules around self-isolation changing in recent weeks, McAllister believes there will be plenty of reinforcements on Sunday.

We will be bolstered by four or five, on my count,'' he said.

We have got players who have been dealing with Covid issues, players who were suspended, and players who have been carrying little niggling injuries. So we will be well bolstered for the weekend.''

Rangers controlled the first half but Alfredo Morelos missed three excellent chances and the hosts caused some problems after the break despite getting James Santos sent off following a kick to the head of goalkeeper Robby McCrorie.

Joe Aribo hit the woodwork for the second time in the closing seconds and Rangers went into the hat for Friday's draw.

McAllister said: We are absolutely delighted we are in the draw for the group stages, the fact we have done it four years on the bounce is a fantastic achievement from the players.

I hold my hand up, it wasn't pretty but we have had a difficult two or three days.

The players are feeling it as well, there's a lot of their mates, their team-mates and members of staff who have not been able to travel and these issues affect you.

And what I want to stress is, it was incredibly hot. At the beginning of the game it was 34-35 degrees.

We have played better but we did make the best chances, we hit the woodwork a couple of times, Alfredo has had a couple of good chances you would expect him to score. We came here to get a result and we go back with a result.''

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