Loan players could return soon to Ibrox

Rangers may consider recalling some of their players on loan at other clubs as they seek to cover increasing injury problems.

Kenny Miller is facing the prospect of several weeks on the sidelines after damaging a hamstring against Hibs on Wednesday, while midfielder Graham Dorrans is out for another three months after being

forced to undergo ankle surgery. Rangers currently have midfielders Andy Halliday and Harry Forrester on season-long loans at Azerbaijani side Qabala and AFC Wimbledon respectively, while forwards Michael O’halloran and Joe Dodoo are at St Johnstone and Charlton respectively until January.

“I won’t talk about individuals but all avenues are being explored,” said Rangers interim manager Graeme Murty. “Every member of the squad is under consideration to help us move forward.”

Rangers are bidding for a fifth consecutive victory in the top flight, something they have not achieved since September 2011, when they face St Johnstone at Ibrox today.

But Murty has again dismissed talk of a title challenge to Celtic, currently five points ahead with a game in hand, unless his players improve on the performance level they produced in Wednesday’s 2-1 win at Easter Road.

“It’s far, far too premature to be talking like that,” he said. “We need to elevate our level significantly if we are going to maintain second place, never mind push on towards the top.”