Lafferty may be fit for PSV clash

08 March 2011 17:30

Rangers have been given a boost ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash with PSV Eindhoven with the news that Kyle Lafferty could make his comeback.

The Northern Ireland striker has been laid low with tonsillitis but his condition has improved and he could be on the plane to Holland on Wednesday .With Vladimir Weiss also set to return to the squad, Ibrox boss Walter Smith could have two more options for the game against the Dutch league leaders in the first leg of their last-16 clash.

Smith told RangersTV: "There is a chance that Kyle and Vladimir could be with us in Holland and that would be a big boost. It will be a last-minute decision on whether they travel but the signs are promising."

He added: "We will have to see if Kyle's tonsillitis problem settles down in time while Vladimir has a badly bruised foot which has been very uncomfortable in terms of striking the ball.

"We are certainly hopeful that both will travel but if not they should be ready for Sunday's Kilmarnock game.

"The benefit of using someone like Vladimir away from home is that he can hold the ball up and perhaps hurt the opposition with his pace."

Striker Nikica Jelavic should be fit for Sunday's re-scheduled match with Kilmarnock and there is hope that defender Sasa Papac might return for that game too, while both Jamie Ness and Stevie Naismith are on the way back.

Source: PA