David Weir a doubt for Rangers

RANGERS captain David Weir could miss his team's Europa League match against Sporting Lisbon tonight, adding to manager Walter Smith's selection problems ahead of the round of 32 second-leg fixture.

The 40-year-old defender travelled with the Rangers squad to Portugal yesterday morning but later complained of feeling unwell. Weir is understood to be suffering from food poisoning and was absent from the Ibrox squad's training session at the Jose Alvalade Stadium last night. He will be assessed by the Rangers medical staff this morning before a decision is taken on whether he is able to play.

Weir's absence would be a significant blow for Smith as he attempts to get through a tie currently in Sporting Lisbon's favour after the 1-1 first leg draw between the teams in Glasgow last week. Kyle Bartley, the 20-year-old signed last month on loan from Arsenal for the rest of the season, would be the most likely replacement for Weir.

Smith already has difficulties in midfield, where the recently injured duo of Steven Naismith and Jamie Ness have joined longer-term absentee Lee McCulloch on the sidelines. In attack, Smith is without the ineligible Nikica Jelavic who is cup-tied after playing in Europe this season for Rapid Vienna.