KENNY Miller today insisted Rangers have the strength in depth to cope without Lewis Macleod against Alloa and keep up the pressure on SPFL Championship leaders Hearts.

Macleod, who bagged his eighth goal of the season on Saturday against Falkirk, has been drafted into the Scotland squad for the Euro 2016 qualifier with the Republic of Ireland on Friday and the friendly with England four days later.

But Miller insists Gers are not a one-man band - and said Macleod's absence gives a fringe player the chance to stake a first-team claim. He said: "We can cope without Lewis. We have got a deep squad at Rangers and there is competition for places in every position in the side.

"Sure, we would much rather have Lewis for this game than be without him. His form at the moment is great for us. He is scoring goals and creating goals.

"His work ethic is also second to none. His work-rate for the team can't be called into question. We will certainly miss him.

"But if he isn't in the side it gives somebody else the chance to come in to the team and maybe stake a claim for a jersey.

"That is what a football club like Rangers is about."

Gers boss Ally McCoist is set to ask Scotland counterpart Gordon Strachan for the youngster to be released from international duty for the Alloa game on Saturday if he is not expected to play a part in Friday night's Euro qualifier.

McCoist, who was told by the Ibrox board last week the league match was going ahead despite three of his players being away with their countries, is hopeful Strachan will agree.

His Ibrox No.2, Kenny McDowall, meanwhile is convinced 20-year-old Macleod has what it takes to succeed at international level.

He said: "I am sure he will go away and do very well with Scotland."

McDowall added: "He has been a member of the Rangers side for over two seasons now.

"He handles whatever situation he finds himself in well despite his young age. Even when he joined the club at 16 you could tell that nothing at all fazed him.

"I don't think he will be overawed by being part of the Scotland squad.

"He will be able to handle being a part of the Scotland squad and I am sure he will more than hold his own alongside the quality of players who are involved."