Rangers duo near return

Rangers duo Brahim Hemdani and Alan Hutton are close to returning to first team action.

The two players have been out for months but both played 45 minutes for the reserves in a 5-0 victory at Kilmarnock.

Midfielder Hemdani has not played for the Glasgow club since his summer move from Marseille due to a groin injury, but had a run out in the second half.

Left back Hutton broke his leg in February, but started the game at Rugby Park before being substituted at half time.

"Hemdani did very well when he came on. He was only ever going to get 45 minutes, as was Alan, but it was a good workout for both players," said Rangers reserve team coach John Brown.

"Alan did say he wanted to play for another 15 minutes but we decided to take him off."

Rangers will be desperate to have them available as soon as possible after a disappointing start to the season has seen them fall behind rivals Celtic and runaway leaders Hearts.