Thomson injury a minus for Rangers

SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE Kilmarnock 0 Rangers 4 : RANGERS MANAGER Walter Smith will resist any temptation to rush Barry Ferguson…

SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE Kilmarnock 0 Rangers 4: RANGERS MANAGER Walter Smith will resist any temptation to rush Barry Ferguson back into his team even if Kevin Thomson faces a lengthy absence through injury.

Thomson left the pitch on a stretcher following a challenge with David Fernandez late on in Rangers' 4-0 win at Kilmarnock.

The midfielder could now face a spell on the sidelines, which might pave the way for Ferguson's return and spare Smith a major selection headache.

"Barry will come back into the team when he is ready," said Smith. "We will be careful with him to make sure that he's ready. It doesn't take away any dilemma for me.

READ MORE

Second-half goals from David Weir, Kris Boyd, Kenny Miller and Steven Whittaker secured the win which allowed Rangers to reduce Celtic's lead at the summit of the Premier League to two points.

KILMARNOCK: Combe, Fowler, Murray, Wright, Skelton, Gibson, Hamill (Clancy 63), Bryson, Taouil, Simmonds (Sammon 68), Fernandez. Subs not used: Harpur, Hay, Corrigan, Flannigan, Cox. Booked: Bryson.

RANGERS: McGregor, Broadfoot, Papac, Weir, Bougherra, Thomson (Whittaker 84), Mendes (Ferguson 63), Novo (Lafferty 46), Davis, Boyd, Miller. Subs not used: Alexander, Beasley, Niguez, Loy. Booked: Papac, Broadfoot. Goals: Weir 50, Boyd 54, Miller 87, Whittaker 90.

Referee: E Smith(Scotland).