Rangers miss Negri

Marco Negri's absence from a Rangers team chasing their 10th successive championship is becoming something of a worry for their manager Walter Smith.

The prolific Italian striker, who has scored an extraordinary 33 goals from 27 appearances in his first season at Ibrox, sustained damage to an eye almost four weeks ago, when playing squash. Negri's last appearance was in the 2-0 defeat by Celtic on January 2nd.

Smith confirmed yesterday that he will miss today's trip to St Johnstone and added that it is not possible to tell when he may return.

Another Italian, the midfielder Rino Gattuso, returns to the squad after a three-match suspension as Rangers try to protect the three-point lead they hold over Celtic and Hearts in the Premier Division.

Celtic's home match against Aberdeen will not be played until Monday because of the dictates of live television, but Hearts are at home to Dundee United with problems of their own. International central David Weir is missing, having had an operation on a damaged bone in his leg, full-back Neil Pointon is suspended and goalkeeper Gilles Rousset is doubtful because of a groin injury.

Despite the defensive problems, manager Jim Jefferies has decided against signing Frenchman William Prunier, who played a trial against Hibernian reserves on Thursday.