Rangers manager Ally McCoist is potentially facing a defensive crisis after admitting Kyle Bartley is now a doubt for next week's Europa League play-off against Maribor.
The defender, who last week agreed a second loan spell from Arsenal, was forced out of Saturday's 2-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win at Inverness after 33 minutes. The centre-half is nursing a groin strain and McCoist will have to wait until Sunday for a clearer idea of his fitness ahead of the trip to Slovenia.
McCoist said: "Kyle has mixed emotions. He is delighted the boys managed to get through with three points but, at the same time, he is sitting in there with an ice pack."
He added: "We won't be able to diagnose him until Sunday morning. But if you are going to come off in the first half of a game, we would have to expect him to be doubtful for the European tie, although it's very early to say that just now."
Bartley was replaced by youngster Ross Perry, who was also struggling by the end of the game, with Rangers' defensive options already severely limited ahead of the European clash.
McCoist added: "I don't think David Weir will make it, Lee McCulloch will probably have a chance, Sasa Papac is suspended but I would hope Steven Whittaker won't be too far away.
"With Ross Perry we will be better placed to have a look Sunday morning."
McCoist also confirmed that Rangers have withdrawn their interest in recruiting Aston Villa defender Carlos Cuellar in the current transfer window because of the former Ibrox star's injury.
He said: "It's done for this window and it's purely and simply down to getting somebody in to play.
"I don't need to tell you what I think of Carlos, I think he is a top class defender. I would welcome him with open arms but we need somebody to play. I wouldn't say I wouldn't be interested in going back in for him."
Source: PA
