Injuries to Ferguson and Svensson overshadow Rangers win

Rangers 2 Falkirk 1

Both suffered groin injuries during the 2-1 victory over Falkirk in the Bank of Scotland Premier League at Ibrox yesterday.

Svensson was withdrawn at half-time, while Rangers played with 10 men for the final few minutes of the game to allow Ferguson to also leave the pitch.

A 2-1 defeat in Israel means Rangers’ hopes of progressing to the last 16 of the UEFA Cup already hang in the balance, but Smith is hopeful both players will be fit for the clash at Ibrox.

“I hope they’re not too bad,” said the Gers boss. “We could have left Barry on but we took him off. With Falkirk down to 10 men, it was better we joined them. I’m hopeful he will be okay.”

Svensson was replaced by Sasa Papac at the break, who is cup-tied for European matches this season.

With Ugo Ehiogu unlikely to return from injury before the visit of Hapoel, the centre-half position could be a problem for Rangers if Svensson fails to make the return leg.

The win allowed Rangers to strengthen their grip on second place in the SPL, with nearest rivals Aberdeen and Hearts both dropping points on Saturday.

Smith said: “It was a difficult game for us after coming back from the European game. We didn’t reach the level we have done in recent games but the most important thing was we won.

Goals from Kris Boyd and Ferguson secured the win, despite Carl Finnigan netting his first goal for Falkirk. The Bairns ended the game with 10 men when Thomas Scobbie saw red for a challenge on substitute Chris Burke.

RANGERS: McGregor, Hutton, Svensson (Papac 46), Weir, Murray, Sionko (Burke 66), Ferguson, Hemdani, Adam (Prso 75), Novo, Boyd.

FALKIRK: Schmeichel, Uras, Barr, Holden, Cregg, O’Donnell (Craig 79), Moutinho, Latapy (Thomson 87), Scobbie, Gow, Finnigan.

Referee: S Dougal.