Bougherra out of potential title-winning clash

Rangers headed into their Clydesdale Bank Premier League game against Hibernian looking for the win that would secure a second successive title.

Celtic’s victory over Dundee United earlier in the day meant there were no celebrations for the Scottish champions ahead of kick-off at Easter Road.

Walter Smith’s men were without Madjid Bougherra for the clash, with Lee McCulloch moving back to central defence and Maurice Edu drafted into midfield.

Kris Boyd started on the bench, with Steven Naismith in the starting line-up and Kenny Miller and Kyle Lafferty the preferred front pairing.

Hibs made three changes from last week’s defeat against Celtic. Graeme Smith replaced Graham Stack between the sticks and Chris Hogg and Patrick Cregg both returned from injury, with Sol Bamba suspended and Colin Nish on the bench.

Hibernian: Smith, McCormack, Hogg, Murray, Hanlon, Wotherspoon, McBride, Rankin, Cregg, Stokes, Riordan.

Subs: Ma-Kalambay, Thicot, Nish, Benjelloun, Stevenson, Gow, Galbraith.

Rangers: McGregor, Whittaker, Edu, Weir, Papac, Naismith, Davis, McCulloch, Thomson, Lafferty, Miller.

Subs: Alexander, Boyd, Novo, Broadfoot, Fleck, Little, Kind Bendiksen.

Referee: W Collum (Scotland)