The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Wallace to miss Old Firm showdown
Rangers’ hopes of halting Celtic’s treble push have been dealt a major blow with captain Lee Wallace ruled out of this month’s William Hill Scottish Cup semifinal.
A defensive injury crisis sees youngsters David Bates and Myles Beerman handed their first-team debuts when Rangers visit Kilmarnock tonight in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
Wallace has undergone surgery on the abdominal problem he picked up playing in Scotland’s friendly against Canada last month.
The injury could see the left-back miss the second leg of this month’s Old Firm double-header, with the Premiership clash taking place at Ibrox six days after the April 23 cup tie at Hampden.
The news, which new Light Blues boss Pedro Caixinha broke during his prematch press conference ahead of the club’s Rugby Park trip, is the last thing the Rangers faithful would want to hear as Brendan Rodgers’ newly crowned Premiership champions target a clean sweep.
As well as Wallace, the Portuguese coach is missing centre-backs Clint Hill, Philippe Senderos (both calf) and Rob Kiernan (knee), as well as full-back Lee Hodson (fever).
Rangers start with Wes Foderingham in goal and a back four of James Tavernier, 20-year-old former Raith defender Bates, Danny Wilson and Beerman, 18, a Malta international signed from Manchester City.
Sitting in front of that inexperienced back line will be Andy Halliday and Jason Holt, while striker Joe Garner will be supported by attackers Barrie McKay, Emerson Hyndman and Martyn Waghorn.
Kilmarnock boss Lee McCulloch faces an injury crisis after admitting he was only able to train with eight players ahead of Rangers’ visit.
The Rugby Park boss has a host of players nursing injuries and will give several late fitness tests before naming his team.
Lee Hendrie returns from suspension but skipper Steven Smith missed Saturday’s draw with Inverness with a calf injury, while Greg Kiltie may not be risked again despite making his first appearance in six months against Caley Thistle. Dapo Kayode (hamstring) remains out.