Rangers v Raith Rovers injury news: ‘influential’ player could return and two more in line to feature

It’s a break from Scottish Premiership action this weekend as the Scottish Cup once again takes centre stage and Rangers prepare to host Raith Rovers.

The Kirkcaldy side currently sit seventh in the Scottish Championship and overcame Motherwell 3-1 at Stark’s Park last month to set up this quarter-final clash at Ibrox. It’s sure to be an interesting clash and one that could see Michael Beale give game time to some of his first team fringe players. Here is the latest injury news from both camps ahead of Sunday’s match:

Rangers team news

John Souttar and Ridvan Yilmaz recently featured for Rangers B team and could be in line for some first-team action this weekend. The Scotland international has only managed one appearance for the club in July last year after his summer move from Hearts before an ankle injury ruled him out but he made his return as an 89th minute substitute in last Saturday’s 3-1 win over Kilmarnock.

Turkish left-back Yilmaz has been out since October with a hamstring injury after making just seven first team appearances. Meanwhile, Tom Lawrence and Kemar Roofe have been ruled out for the rest of the season, joining Filip Helander and veteran midfielder Steven Davis.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, boss Michael Beale said: “It will be the strongest team possible for this game. We’ve got one or two bumps but nothing major. Ridvan, Souttar and (Leon) King are all available for selection.

“Tom Lawrence has had a minor operation and will be back at pre-season. Kemar Roofe has had a minor hip operation and will also be back for pre-season.”

Raith Rovers team news

Raith Rovers could be boosted by the return of captain Scott Brown earlier than expected with boss Ian Murray saying the ‘influential’ former St Johnstone midfielder’s quick recovery has come as a surprise. Former Hearts attacker Esmael Goncalves is making similarly good progress with his recovery and could also feature in Sunday’s Scottish cup tie.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be without Kieran Ngwenya who leaves for international duty with Malawi while Scott McGill and William Akio are cup tied and Jamie Gullan and Ross Matthews are injured. Attackers Ethan Ross and Lewis Vaughan are back training after injuries and could also feature for the Fife club.

Who is the referee?

John Beaton will be the referee for Sunday’s Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox between Rangers and Raith Rovers. The last Rangers match that Beaton refereed was the 3-0 win over Hearts at Tynecastle, where he issued six yellow cards, and he was also the man in the middle for January’s 2-2 derby draw with Celtic.