Rangers Vs Aberdeen - Official Matchday Thread

Ally McCoist has confirmed Steven Davis will replace David Weir as Rangers' captain on a full-time basis.

The Northern Ireland midfielder has sported the armband for much of this season while defender Weir has spent time out of the team.

And with the 41-year-old now moving on to find another club in England, Davis will take on that role on a permanent basis.

American star Carlos Bocanegra - skipper for the recent William Hill Scottish Cup tie against Arbroath at Gayfield Park - will assist as vice-captain.

He and Davis bring a wealth of experience to the Light Blues team with more than 150 international caps between them.

And McCoist is happy to entrust them with leadership duties as the SPL champions look to retain the title they have claimed in each of the last three campaigns.

The manager said: "Steve will step up and become the club captain and he will be helped in that role by Carlos.

"He came in when Davo was suspended for the Arbroath game earlier in the month and he is another natural leader.

"I don't have any worries, problems or concerns because I feel those two men are certainly strong enough to take our club forward."



Allan McGregor is poised to come back for Rangers home clash with Aberdeen after he returned to training this week.

The first-choice Light Blues goalkeeper came through sessions yesterday and today unscathed and looks set to reclaim his place in the team from Neil Alexander.

Dorin Goian is also poised to play despite breaking his nose then finishing the rest of the match with St Johnstone last weekend.

Steven Whittaker sits the game out again following a hernia operation while Steven Naismith, out anyway with cruciate knee ligament damage, is recovering from the same procedure.

Kyle Lafferty is improving but is still some way from returning following a hamstring problem and Jamie Ness continues his recovery, as does Kirk Broadfoot.

Manager Ally McCoist said: "We're in not too bad shape and everybody who trained today came through it okay.

"Our longer-term casualties such as Naismith are still out but Whittaker is getting better after his operation, as is Lafferty.

"Goian is absolutely fine and he'll do for me having gone on after that. It didn't look too good when he came off last week but fair play to him and the doctor.

"He got it straightened and there was a bit of old school stuff going on there which was good to see.

"McGregor should return tomorrow as well. He has trained and that is pretty encouraging for us."