A Massive Boost

[ian1964 10,457]

By Andrew Dickson

 

ALLY McCOIST is confident Kyle Lafferty can add weight to Rangers' title challenge in the last five league games of the season.

 

The Northern Ireland striker is fit again after he damaged ankle ligaments and he should be in the squad for Sunday's home clash with Hearts.

 

Kyle Lafferty celebrates scoring against HeartsThat's a massive boost for the Light Blues after it seemed the 21-year-old was facing a race against time to be ready for next week's derby with Celtic.

 

Lafferty was showing his best form for Gers before he got injured and had scored three games in as many games as he finally got his chance up front.

 

He'll be bidding to recapture his ruthless streak on his return and Ibrox assistant manager McCoist has backed him to do it.

 

"It's great news for us that Kyle's able to play again," McCoist said. "He has been moving really well and that has been the case for the last seven or eight days now.

 

"He will come back into the reckoning again at the weekend and going into the post-split games, that's a huge positive for us.

 

"The big man was in great form before he got injured and we've been fortunate that Andrius Velicka and Kris Boyd have been scoring goals while he has been out.

 

"Now Kyle can come back in too and I'm hopeful he'll get a few himself. He's a very important player for us and it's fantastic we have him back."

 

Along with Lafferty, Rangers are confident Sasa Papac and Lee McCulloch will be fit for the Jambos' visit.

 

Kenny MillerThe same applies with Pedro Mendes, who is getting better after he was hurt just above the knee during last Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren.

 

It is hoped he'll be able to resume training tomorrow after the pain and swelling he was experiencing went down.

 

Another player who might make the starting line-up - possibly even at Lafferty's expense - is his fellow forward Kenny Miller.

 

The ex-Hibs man has been impressive over the last couple of weeks when coming on as a substitute.

 

And having scored his 12th goal of the season against the Buddies five days ago, Miller has certainly given the management food for thought.

 

McCoist added: "Kenny has looked a bit more like his old self again since he came back from his injury.

 

"He has been a lot livelier, quicker and sharper and he came on and scored a good goal at Hampden last week.

 

Stevie Naismith in action against St Mirren"I'd have no qualms about starting him and he's in contention. Andrius has done well but Kenny has given us a nice problem to have."

 

McCoist, meanwhile, has spoken of his happiness for Steven Naismith after he was named in Scotland's B squad for next week's friendly with Northern Ireland at Clyde.

 

The former Kilmarnock striker has struggled to find form but Walter Smith's deputy feels he has been rewarded for the determination he has shown over the last few months.

 

McCoist said: "I'm thrilled for Naisy. He has had a little bit of disappointment lately because he has not been playing every week.

 

"The most important thing from his point of view is that this will give him a boost as it is recognition of all his hard work.

 

"Make no mistake about it, nobody has put in more effort to come back from a serious injury than him and he deserves the call.