Thompson faces fitness struggle

Rangers striker Steven Thompson is facing a race against time to be fit for the second part of the Old Firm double header this month.

The Scotland international was forced to withdraw from the CIS Insurance Cup quarter-final win over Celtic last night with an ankle injury.

However, after being ruled out of the weekend trip to Hibernian on Sunday, the player is also a doubt for the Bank of Scotland Premier League visit of the Hoops on November 20.

The former Dundee United forward was replaced by Dado Prso, who scored the crucial late equaliser before the Gers claimed a 2-1 win extra-time.

The 26-year-old has been ruled out of the SPL trip to Edinburgh on Sunday and is also expected to miss the international friendly against Sweden at Easter Road on Wednesday.

Thompson underwent an X-ray in hospital today where no fracture showed up in his right ankle.

But Ibrox medical staff must wait until the swelling around the injury goes down before deciding the length of absence required for the injury to heal.

Thompson has scored six goals this season for the Ibrox club.