Rangers tie off

Rangers’ Scottish Cup fourth round tie against East Stirling has fallen victim to the weather.

Torrential rainfall overnight and this morning means the match has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Seven ties were called-off yesterday – including the televised match between Clyde and Dundee United – after the country was hit by a cold snap and frozen pitches meant those games could not go ahead.

However, Rangers’ tussle with Third Division outfit Shire has become the most high-profile call-off and could yet have a knock-on effect on the Old Firm derby.

Some replays and rescheduled ties will take place on January 23 – the date having already been confirmed for the second Old Firm clash of the season.

The famous fixture was originally set to take place on January 2 but was scrapped following the death of Motherwell captain Phil O’Donnell.

Scottish Premier League bosses decided on the date for later this month on the assumption that Rangers would not need a replay to decide their Scottish Cup match.

A statement on www.rangers.co.uk said: “Rangers and officials are talking with the SPL and SFA right now to find out when the East Stirling match can now be played but January 23 is a Scottish Cup date.”