Source: PA
Smith to swing the axe
Rangers manager Walter Smith is set to ring the changes for the visit of Aberdeen after the Light Blues took just one point from their previous two home matches.
Smith admits he may have relied too heavily on his first-team core amid a challenging period of European, Co-operative Insurance Cup and Clydesdale Bank Premier League matches. Rangers followed their 1-1 draw against Inverness with a 3-0 defeat by Hibernian in their next home match on Wednesday night.
Injuries may force Smith`s hand as he contemplates changes for the visit of under-pressure Aberdeen. Sasa Papac is out after needing 10 stitches in a head wound suffered against Hibs while Maurice Edu is a doubt after being carried off with a knock to his knee.
Andy Webster, James Beattie and Nikica Jelavic all missed the Hibs defeat through injury but the likes of John Fleck could be in line for a start against the Dons as Smith looks to freshen up his side.
Smith told Blues News: "I`m looking at myself at the moment. I should maybe have changed the team more than I have done. I have asked a bit too much of some of the players. When teams come here and set out their stall well, at the present moment we have not really got the required sharpness to overcome that.
"It has shown in the last two games here and it`s something we need to look at. I have to look at the pressure I`m placing players under. I need to take stock of that and maybe make more changes than I have been making in recent weeks."
