Miller major doubt as derby day looms large

Rangers: Forward in race to be fit after tearing hamstring

Rangers caretaker boss Graeme Murty admits Kenny Miller is a major doubt for the derby against Celtic at Parkhead on December 30.

Miller tore his hamstring during Wednesday night’s win at Hibernian and faces a race to be fit for Rangers’ match against Brendan Rodgers’ rampant outfit.

It is another blow for Murty ahead of facing St Johnstone today after it was confirmed midfielder Graham Dorrans will be sidelined for the next three months as he recovers from ankle surgery.

Murty said: “We’re hopeful it’s not as big (a tear) as it looked, because it looked big. But he has quite a big range (of movement) and we’re hopeful he’s not going to be out for too long.

“However, the end of the year and the game at Celtic may come too soon for him. We’ll just keep our fingers crossed and see how he progresses.”

Dorrans has not featured since Pedro Caixinha’s final game in charge against Kilmarnock almost two months ago.

And he is unlikely to be seen again before March.

St Johnstone are set to be without Murray Davidson for the rest of the year after the influential midfielder suffered an ankle injury in midweek.

Davidson was wearing a protective boot on the eve of Saints’ trip to face Rangers after going off early in Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat by Aberdeen.

The 29-year-old now looks likely to miss four games before the winter break.

Saints boss Tommy Wright said: “Murray is going to be out for three or four weeks. He hurt his ankle in a challenge.

“I say three or four weeks but you never know with Murray, he could be back quicker than that. He always likes to try and prove the medical team wrong.

“It’s disappointing, he is a big presence in both boxes for us so he’ll be a miss.”

The form book suggests today will be a tough day for the Perth side as Rangers look to claim a fifth consecutive victory under caretaker manager Murty.

But Wright’s side is no stranger to upsets and the Northern Irishman is determined to make life difficult for the hosts at Ibrox.

“They’ve got good players, they are a massive club and have quality players throughout the squad,” he said. “You could say results are indicating those players are starting to hit form now. But it’s never easy going there, they tend to keep the ball well, which makes it a difficult afternoon for you.

“But we believe we can give a good account of ourselves.”

Graham Dorrans