Unirea v Rangers preview

McCulloch: Fit again

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Rangers go in search of their first UEFA Champions League victory this season against Unirea Urziceni in Romania on Wednesday.

Gers are in danger of seeing their European campaign end abruptly having taken just one point from their opening three Group G games.

Walter Smith's side began the campaign with a fine 1-1 draw at Stuttgart, but successive home defeats to Sevilla and Unirea sees the SPL giants bottom of the group.

Rangers were embarrassed last time out at home to Dan Petrescu's side, losing 4-1 at Ibrox despite taking an early lead through Pedro Mendes.

Defeat for Gers would end their fading hopes of qualifying for the next stage of the competition.

Gers news

Midfielder Lee McCulloch is fit to return for Rangers after being out of action since suffering a thigh injury during the draw with Hibernian last month.

He travelled to Bucharest and is available to feature, although Smith may give a chance to rookie Danny Wilson, meaning McCulloch could anchor the midfield.

However, Madjid Bougherra has been ruled out as he has still not recovered from the knee injury he picked up in training a few weeks ago.

The left wing spot remains up for grabs with Kyle Lafferty, Nacho Novo, Stevie Smith and Jerome Rothen all contenders. Rothen could miss out following his horror show in the home defeat to Unirea.

Unirea news

Unirea are likely to be without Bruno Fernandes after he limped out of their weekend game against Craiova with a thigh injury.

Midfielder Sorin Frunza could retain his place in the Petrescu's starting XI following a brace in their weekend win

Fit again Giedrius Arlauskis (back) should remain between the sticks after Daniel Tudor started in goal at Ibrox.

Defender Vasile Maftei is walking a disciplinary tightrope with one more yellow card incurring a one-match suspension.