Football: Laudrup out with recurrence of back trouble

By David McKinney

Brian Laudrup is out of Rangers' Scottish Cup fifth-round match against Dundee tonight with a back injury. Laudrup, who moves to Chelsea in the summer, has suffered a recurrence of the injury that put him on the sidelines at the start of the season.

Also out for Rangers will be Paul Gascoigne. Laudrup, 29, faces a further spell out of action if the troublesome problem cannot be cured.

Ally McCoist will battle it out for the chance to partner Marco Negri against Dundee at Ibrox. Gordan Petric is set for his first start in five months with Richard Gough suspended.

One injury bonus for manager Walter Smith was the news that Gordon Durie is ready to return to training after his head injury, though it will be a couple of weeks before he plays again.

Hearts disposed of Ayr United from the First Division with a comfortable 4-1 victory on Saturday, but First Division Falkirk, last year's beaten finalists, progressed to the last four with a fine 3-0 victory over St Johnstone.

Away from the Cup, Dunfermline won three vital League points with a 2- 1 victory over Motherwell to take them nine points clear of Hibs, the bottom club. Dunfermline's goals were scored by Andy Smith, who is the highest scoring Scot in the Premier Division with 23 to his credit.