Scottish Football: Stainrod calls for spirited response

SIMON STAINROD yesterday exhorted his injury-hit Dundee squad to 'laugh in the face of adversity' today when they tackle the champions, Rangers, at Dens Park.

Five of his players were out, two more were 'very doubtful' while five more were simply 'doubtful'. 'I've never known a situation as bad as this in any of the clubs I've played for,' Stainrod said. 'I am bitterly disappointed but those who play will just have to laugh in the face of adversity.'

Rangers, who netted pounds 1m from the midweek sale of strikers John Spencer and Paul Rideout, could be without their most successful attacker. Ally McCoist picked up a cut on his ankle which has become inflamed and he is doubtful along with the midfielder, Stuart McCall. Definitely out for the second game in a row are Andy Goram and Trevor Steven.

Aberdeen, on top of the Premier Division on goal difference from Rangers and Dundee United, are poised to name an unchanged team against Motherwell at Fir Park.

Alex McLeish and Scott Booth have not recovered from hamstring injuries so the manager, Willie Miller, is happy to stay loyal to the players who have peformed well so far.

The Hearts' midfielder, Derek Ferguson, has recovered from a bout of food poisoning in time for the Tynecastle club's first league meeting with Partick since 1983. Thistle, who have bid for Everton's Welsh defender Kevin Ratcliffe, have not heard any news from Goodison Park and do not expect any developments in time for today's game.