Cuellar boost for Rangers

Carlos Cuellar is expected to be fit for Rangers' UEFA Cup tie against Sporting Lisbon, according to the club's official website.

The defender, 26, is expected to shrug off a virus in time for the quarter-final, second leg tie.

A statement on www.rangers.co.uk said: "The Murray Park medical team are confident that Cuellar will take his usual place in the side on Thursday night and he will travel with the team tomorrow morning."

Manager Walter Smith is without the suspended David Weir ahead of Thursday's clash and at one stage is looked as though he may also be without Cuellar for the trip.

The Spaniard has been an almost ever-present for Rangers this season and was yesterday shortlisted for the Players' Player of the Year award.