Rob Kiernan could face Celtic as Rangers set to appeal red card

Rangers hope to rescue Rob Kiernan's chances of facing Celtic next week by appealing against his sending-off against St Johnstone.

Rob Kiernan was shown a straight red for this challenge on St Johnstone's Graham Cummins. Picture: SNS

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The centre-back was dismissed 12 minutes from time during Wednesday night’s win after a late lunge on Saints frontman Graham Cummins.

He faces an immediate two-match ban which would rule him out of Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final with Hamilton, as well as the derby showdown with Brendan Rodgers’ rampant Hoops on March 12.

But caretaker boss Graeme Murty has confirmed Rangers plan to challenge referee Kevin Clancy’s call.

The appeal would go ahead next Thursday, freeing Kiernan to face Accies - but it would still leave the Light Blues sweating on the defender’s place for the Parkhead clash.

Asked if it was worth an appeal, Murty said: “I think so, yes.

“We will have to put some more meat on the bones of the appeal when we go to the board but I think it is definitely worth an appeal.

“As it stands he would miss this Saturday and next Sunday. If we appeal, it would be heard next week, so Rob would be eligible for Saturday.”