Rangers pair winning fitness battles

24 February 2009 17:50
Both players looked set to miss the March 15 clash with Celtic but striker Novo has made excellent progress from the ankle injury he suffered at the end of last month and is set to return to training this week.[LNB]He is even hopeful of featuring in the SPL home clash with Inverness on Wednesday week.[LNB]Midfielder McCulloch discovered on Tuesday he has a minor tear in his calf after going for a scan and has been told he has a realistic chance of being fit to play at Hampden.[LNB]He came off in last Wednesday's 4-0 Homecoming Scottish Cup fifth-round win at Forfar and was initially told he was likely to be out of action for between two and four weeks.[LNB]Rangers assistant manager McCoist is delighted the duo are on the mend.[LNB]He told the club's official website: "I was getting the wee cheesy grin from Nacho today and he's back out running, which is great to see.[LNB]"He is a smashing lad with an infectious personality and he's one of those boys who just wants to train and play.[LNB]"Nacho is somebody you don't like to have inside being a nuisance in the gymnasium as you'd far rather have him out on the park making a contribution.[LNB]"Everybody will be delighted to hear he is not far away from a return now and big Lee is the same.[LNB]"He has a very minimal tear in his calf but I'd hope he'll be back in full training in a week to 10 days.[LNB]"That's positive news for us and we are pleased about that. Lee is the same and I think he was quite relieved when he got his test results back.[LNB]"Both lads are dying to get back playing for Rangers again. They'll have high hopes of being in the squad for the final, if not before then."[LNB]DaMarcus Beasley was also injured against Forfar following a challenge from Elliot Smith, who was sent off.[LNB]He should be back in contention for the visit of Inverness.[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk