Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty faces lengthy spell on sidelines

RANGERS have been dealt a blow with the news that Kyle Lafferty is likely to be sidelined for six or seven weeks.

The striker left the pitch on a stretcher after just nine minutes of Monday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League win against Motherwell with what has proved to be a hamstring tear. The player is now on crutches, Rangers announced last night, and is facing several weeks on the sidelines.

Rangers manager Ally McCoist said: “It’s not particularly good news for Kyle. He looks to have a tear in the hamstring and all indications were that was going to be the case judging by the way he pulled up. At this moment he is on crutches and we think probably six or seven weeks I’m afraid.”

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Steven Whittaker could also be set for a number of weeks on the sidelines, with Rangers facing an anxious wait to discover if the full-back requires surgery to cure a groin problem. He will travel to Manchester next week to consult with a specialist.

McCoist added: “Steven Whittaker is going down next Tuesday or Wednesday to see the specialist regarding his groin problem and it will be determined then if he needs surgery.”

Lee McCulloch and Steven Davis are both suspended for Sunday’s William Hill Scottish Cup tie at Arbroath, and Nikica Jelavic and Kirk Broadfoot are injury doubts after sitting out the 3-0 win over Motherwell.

McCoist said: “Jelavic is a little bit better. I spoke with him and the groin injury is not as bad as it was but it’s too early to say whether he will be available for our Cup tie at Arbroath. Kirk Broadfoot is still struggling. His leg is heavily iced.”

Meanwhile, Sochaux have revealed that Maurice Edu is their top midfield target this month. Reports suggest an offer in the region of £500,000 from the French club for the American midfielder has already been rejected by Rangers.

Assistant coach Stephane Gilli said: “It’s fair to say that Edu is our No 1 target for the midfield position.”