Despite the injury to Kevin Thompson, Rangers boss Walter Smith will not be tempted to rush back into action Barry Ferguson. Gers skipper Ferguson has now made three substitute appearances since recovering from ankle surgery.

"Barry will come back into the team when he is ready," said Smith.

"We will be careful with him to make sure that he's ready. It doesn't take away any dilemma for me.

"Kevin Thomson was the best player on the pitch today, he has been doing extremely well for us in recent weeks, and we wouldn't want to lose him.

"Hopefully when things settle down it might not be as bad as we think at the moment.

"Barry wasn't due back until November 21 so he has been a little bit ahead of schedule and he still needs a few games.

"We have Maurice Edu as well and Steven Davis can play in there so we still have other players who can play in that position."