SPL: Murray standing by Advocaat

Rangers chairman David Murray is backing under-fire manager Dick Advocaat despite criticism after the Old Firm defeat.

The 2-0 defeat by Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday left Rangers seven points behind the champions.

However, Murray said: ‘‘All the commentators said that we played well and we were unlucky, but people are still asking about the manager’s future. I’m more concerned with what the fans think.’’

Advocaat will have a strong squad at his disposal as he attempts to start the revival in next Tuesday’s CIS Insurance Cup game against Airdrie.

Rangers doctor Gert Goudswaard believes Barry Ferguson, Claudio Reyna and Michael Mols will all be fit enough to take part.

Reyna picked up a knee injury, skipper Ferguson left the field in agony with just a few minutes remaining and Mols was replaced by Neil McCann, sparking fears the Ibrox injury list was set to grow again.

But the club’s doctor insists Ferguson and Reyna’s injuries are not serious and all three will be available for selection for the cup tie.

He said: ‘‘Barry went for an ultrasound and we should receive those results later. However, I don’t expect any serious problems.

‘‘Claudio hurt his knee when he collided with the post and, although it is causing him some pain, we managed to get ice on it quickly and it’s not too badly swollen.

‘‘Michael is fine and trained with the rest of the squad so it is pleasing for us not to have any more players missing.’’

Meanwhile, Rangers midfielder Arthur Numan has insisted there will be no dressing room recriminations directed towards goalkeeper Stefan Klos.

The German was at fault when he misjudged a Stilian Petrov free-kick to gift Celtic a vital early lead in Sunday’s Old Firm derby.

Numan said: ‘‘That can happen in football. The pitch was very slippery and wet and you can get that sort of situation.’’