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McCoist expected Celtic to close gap Rangers manager Ally McCoist insists he was not surprised to see Celtic dramatically reduce his side's advantage at the summit of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. The Scottish champions were 12 points clear at the top of the table heading into last weekend's action. But a goalless draw against St Johnstone at Ibrox - combined with wins over Inverness and Dunfermline for Celtic - means the Hoops now sit seven points adrift. The gap could be down to four points by the time Rangers travel to Kilmarnock on Sunday if their Old Firm rivals defeat St Mirren 24 hours earlier. Asked if he was surprised by Celtic's progress, McCoist said: "Not as much as everyone else seemingly. "We had a draw with St Johnstone and Celtic have won two or three games which, with the greatest of respect, I expected them to win. I'm not really surprised, no." Rangers have happy memories of their last visit to Rugby Park when a 5-1 win - they were three goals up after seven minutes - saw them claim the SPL crown on the final day of last season. McCoist added: "I would settle for the start we had the last time there but I'm not sure we will get it. "The last Old Firm team who went down there were 3-0 down at half-time and it was a whirlwind first half from Kilmarnock. "They are definitely a team who are capable of that, there is no doubt about that. They play high on confidence and they can play well and score goals. They are a match for anybody in the league. "As great a day as it was for us, the final day of last season, I've been at Kilmarnock and I know they are very proud people and it's a proud club and they wouldn't have enjoyed that. "I don't like the word revenge but they will certainly want to make amends for that particular day. Their players will come out and do their best, which is always the case, and it will be tough." New signing Sone Aluko looks set to be thrown straight into the squad and could make his Rangers debut. He has been without a club since his contract with Aberdeen expired in the summer but the winger insists he is ready to be involved despite the lack of recent match action. Aluko said: "I've played football since I was a small boy and I've worked hard over the summer and the beginning of the season to keep fit. "I played in a [closed-doors] game and I thought I did okay. I did all right in training so, if called upon, I'll play." Lee McCulloch and Kyle Bartley are also in contention after recovering from injury but Sasa Papac and Lee Wallace are both doubtful and Gregg Wylde is suspended. Danny Buijs believes Kilmarnock's recent draw against Celtic proves they do not have to fear the visit of Rangers. The Ayrshire side played host to the Hoops in October and boasted a three-goal lead at half-time before an enthralling encounter eventually finished 3-3. Killie now welcome the other half of the Old Firm to Rugby Park and Buijs insists they should take confidence from their efforts against Celtic when Rangers come calling. The midfielder said: "The confidence is good because a few weeks ago we played Celtic at home and got a draw and we were 3-0 up. Those kind of games give you confidence. "Of course, we know it will be very difficult against Rangers. But in every game you have a chance to win or get a result and it will be the same on Sunday. "We know Rangers are a very good team, they are the number one in Scotland and they are seven points ahead of Celtic. But if we have a good day, and they have a worse day, we can get a result." Rangers head into the game looking to return to winning ways after being held to a goalless draw by St Johnstone at Ibrox in their last outing. Buijs added: "Rangers want to win every game. Along with Celtic, they are the top team in Scotland. But when we see St Johnstone take a point away from home at Rangers, it gives us a feeling that we can also get a result. "It will be very difficult but, even if you only have a little chance, you have to go for it." Rangers' last visit to Rugby Park saw them win 5-1 as they claimed the SPL crown on the final day of last season. Buijs said: "I heard about that game, that it was 3-0 after 10 minutes. That shows the quality of Rangers. "If you don't concentrate or make stupid mistakes, they will score and they will kill you. We have to concentrate and not make mistakes. "In that game Rangers wanted to win to be champions, this game they want to win to have a bigger gap over Celtic in the table. But we also want the three points because we need them." Killie are sweating over the fitness of Paul Heffernan. He has been struggling with a groin injury but has been given a "70% chance" of starting. Goalkeeper Cammy Bell is back in contention after recovering from an elbow problem although boss Kenny Shiels has not yet decided who will be between the sticks.