Walter Smith expects Sasa Papac will return at Motherwell

Published on Monday 8 February 2010 22:11

RANGERS manager Walter Smith is hoping Sasa Papac will be back in action against Motherwell tomorrow night.

The left-back returned to full training yesterday after being sidelined with a knee injury.

The Bosnian limped out of the 3-0 win over Falkirk eight days ago and was also forced to sit out cup matches against St Johnstone and St Mirren. But Papac has been one of the most consistent performers for the Scottish champions and Smith is keen to see him back for the midweek match.

He said: "We're hopeful Sasa will be fit for the trip to Fir Park. He doesn't miss many games and we're keen to get him back. He has missed the last couple of matches but he was out with the rest of the players today along with DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu.

"As long as there's no reaction to him training, he should be able to return to the team in midweek."

Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd both returned from injury against St Mirren at the weekend, while Beasley and Edu could be fit for the clash with Motherwell.

However, Smith will err on the side of caution regarding those who have had a spell in the treatment room. He told www.rangers.co.uk: "What we've got to remember is that there are a few in the group who have missed a lot of football. It will take them a little bit of time to settle back in. Kenny has missed the least games so he isn't a big problem but we still have to take a bit of care with him.

"When we have three games a week it can be awkward for him and we'll use him, Kris and the rest at the right times."

Meanwhile, St Mirren's board of directors yesterday denied the club's players had demanded showdown talks over their bonuses after reaching the Co-operative Insurance Cup final.

Reports at the weekend claimed Saints' players were furious at earning less for beating Hearts in last Tuesday night's semi-final than for seeing off Motherwell in the previous round. It has been claimed players were awarded 1,000 each for reaching the club's first domestic final for 23 years, 600 less than for their quarter-final victory.

It has also been suggested players locked the dressing room door after the semi-final win to prevent directors joining in any celebrations.

A statement on the club's website, www.saintmirren.co.uk said: "The board of directors met a couple of weeks ago with representatives of the players and the manager. At this point the bonuses for the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final and Scottish Cup fifth-round matches were discussed.

"To date the board have had no request for any further meetings with the players."