STEVEN WHITTAKER is out of Rangers' Uefa Cup tie with Panathinaikos tomorrow night with a hamstring injury.

The full-back pulled up in training yesterday and will not be risked for fear of further damage that could rule him out for a sustained spell.

Sasa Papac is likely to be recalled at left back, with Kirk Broadfoot remaining in the right-back position.

Whittaker has been deployed on the left side in recent times, with boss Walter Smith revealing he feels the former Hibs man offers more of an attacking threat than Bosnian stopper Papac.

Smith confirmed: "It's not an injury that will keep Steven out for a long time. In fact, we hope he will be recovered for Sunday's game at Kilmarnock. But he will miss out tomorrow night."

Smith is facing a dramatic eleventh hour decision tomorrow on Daniel Cousin. It is believed Fifa will convene tomorrow morning to consider Cousin's appeal to turn out for three clubs in a season.

The officials who will rule on his £3m transfer to Fulham are now back from duty at the African Cup of Nations.

And they could give their answer just hours before Rangers face the Greeks at Ibrox in the first leg of the round of 32 tie.

That could give Smith a major selection dilemma, with the boss confirming today the Gabonese hitman is still in his thoughts.

With Jean-Claude Darcheville suspended, Smith is mulling over starting Cousin. But the implications of a Fifa decision in favour of his London move could lead to a late change of plans.

The Gers boss said: "I'll consider the possibility of playing Daniel Cousin against Panathinaikos until Fifa make a decision.

"I have to keep him in my thoughts until a decision is made - one way or another. If it turns out he can go to Fulham, then he goes. If not, then that is fine by me.

"I am aware he hasn't played for three weeks but, even so, I would have no hesitation in playing him if I feel it would benefit us.

"It may seem a bit of a gamble. But if we use him then I am sure he can cope with the situation.

"It will also depend on how we want to set out against them, but even without Jean-Claude, we still have options.

"I would not have sanctioned Cousin's sale if I had thought it would leave us short of options."

The Greeks arrived in Glasgow at lunchtime and will train at Ibrox tonight.

Coach Jose Peseiro has left former Hearts defender Takis Fyssas and injured Spanish defender Jose Sarriegui behind in Athens.

And Man United loan signing Manucho has also been excused duty after his work at the African Cup of Nations with Angola, although he will return for the second leg in Greece next Thursday night.

South African defender Nasief Morris, in the Pana side who beat Rangers 3-1 in the Champions League at Ibrox in 2003, said: "We know it will be difficult but we have won before here, and I believe we can do it again. We have already beaten Aberdeen and we now want to beat another Scottish side."

Stevie Smith and Andy Webster played 90 minutes for Rangers reserves in a 1-0 win at Gretna yesterday, Stevie Lennon scoring.