Rangers fear Naismith may be out for season

Rangers fear Steven Naismith has suffered cruciate ligament damage for the second time in his career as they await the results of a scan on the Scotland international’s injured knee.

Specialists are studying images of Naismith’s knee and Rangers do not expect to confirm the extent of the injury until tomorrow – but the club admit they are braced for the worst outcome.

Naismith suffered the injury during his club’s 2-1 victory over Aberdeen on Saturday, collapsing with no-one near him while receiving the ball moments after hurting his knee.

The former Kilmarnock player stretched to challenge Rob Milsom but was too late to win the ball and he appeared to twist his knee as his studs caught the Aberdeen midfielder’s calf.

Rangers released a statement on their website revealing Naismith had seen a consultant with a full prognosis to follow.

The statement continued: “However, the signs are that it is a serious problem and the Scotland star will be out of action for a considerable time.

“The fear is that Naismith has suffered damage to his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and if that is the case he will be unlikely to feature again this season.

“Naismith suffered a similar problem in his left knee in 2008 and was out for eight months.”

The news, if confirmed, will be a major blow to Rangers manager Ally McCoist and Scotland boss Craig Levein, although the versatile attacking player could be back in action before Scotland begin their World Cup qualifying campaign next autumn.

The 25-year-old has been one of his club’s key players this season, netting nine goals, and he also scored for Scotland when he grabbed the winner against Lithuania.