Bougherra to miss cup final due to injury

Bougherra failed to complete training on Friday but was expected to return for yesterday's Active Nation Scottish Cup quarter-final against Dundee United after sitting out the last couple of matches with a hamstring problem.

However, he failed to make the squad for the clash at Ibrox – which ended in a 3-3 draw – and assistant manager Ally McCoist confirmed he faces a longer spell out of action than previously anticipated.

"He has a small tear on his hamstring and he will be out for a minimum of three weeks," said McCoist.

"He is one of our top players, one of the top players in the country, so it's a d isappointment that he's not able to play.

"But every other team goes through injuries and suspensions and we are no different so we just have to get on with it."

Danny Wilson looks set to deputise again in Bougherra's absence at Hampden next Sunday and McCoist has no concerns about throwing the 18-year-old into the cup final.

He said: "We've not discussed teams or anything like that but Danny's performances would indicate he is ready to play in any game.

"He has played in big games for us, cup games, Champions League. He has performed well so that won't be a problem.

"Danny Wilson has been a fantastic find for us. He has maybe played a little more this season than maybe a lot of people would have thought and he has been doing very well."