ALL four Rangers players who pulled out of the Scotland squad should be fit for the Old Firm match.

Barry Ferguson, Allan McGregor, Christian Dailly and Lee McCulloch all withdrew from George Burley's first squad.

But Ibrox No 2 Ally McCoist says Rangers are hopeful the quartet will be ready for the SPL crunch with Celtic.

McCoist said: "We have injury problems, it's a fact. Barry has been to see a specialist last week and, thankfully, he doesn't need an operation. But he has been short of 100% fit for some time.

"Lee is the same. He's had a thigh strain for a couple of weeks. Christian has a fracture in his wee toe and Allan McGregor has a little bit of puffiness around his knee.

"We'll monitor their progress, but I'd be hopeful the majority of them will be involved at the weekend, but it is clear to see that they have been struggling a little bit with injury."

McCoist is adamant defeat to Celtic will not end Rangers' title hopes and he is equally convinced victory will not mean job done for Rangers, either.

However, the former Ibrox striker does know three points would take Rangers a big step closer to reclaiming the SPL trophy.

"I'm looking forward to it, said McCoist, Gers' record goalscorer. "This game has been a long time coming and it is a massive match for us. If we win, we won't necessarily win the league and if we lose we won't necessarily lose it.

"But it will go a long way to deciding where the title ends up, there's no doubt about that. It will be very difficult, anyway. The atmosphere will be terrific and I hope we can give the fans something to cheer about.

"We have to prepare the lads as well as we can and make sure they are well up for it.

"Celtic will be so up for this game it will be unbelievable. They've dropped a few points behind us, so we know they'll come and give everything they have.

"But from our point of view we've been on a good roll in the league. We have played some good football, some average football, but we're winning games, so the most important thing for us on Saturday is to get the three points.

"I've no doubt the players will be ready because we've all been looking forward to it.

"We're in a situation just now with all our games where we really can only focus on the next match, then put it to bed - hopefully with a victory - and look to the next one.

"That's all we're doing at the moment."