Bardsley missing as Rangers fly out

Rangers were remaining tight-lipped on reports that Phil Bardsley has been axed from the squad for the UEFA Cup trip to Livorno after a row with manager Paul Le Guen.

The on-loan Manchester United full-back did not check in with the rest of the players as they headed out to Italy for tomorrow's group stage tie.

Reports claimed the 21-year-old had been unhappy to be dropped from the side before being told to leave the Murray Park training ground yesterday after a heavy tackle on Belgian forward Thomas Buffel.

A potential replacement, Alan Hutton, was with the rest of the Ibrox squad who travelled out of Glasgow Airport without making comment to waiting media.

Le Guen is under pressure in his first season in Glasgow after the Ibrox side fell 10 points behind Bank of Scotland Premier League leaders Celtic following the 1-0 defeat by Inverness at the weekend.

Recalled goalkeeper Lionel Letizi fumbled a long-range shot which allowed Caley striker Graham Bayne to net the winner.

Le Guen's decision to recall his fit-again fellow Frenchman proved extremely unpopular with the Gers fans after stand-in Allan McGregor won the Bank of Scotland Player of the Month award with some impressive displays during Letizi's lay-off.