Cuellar concern for Rangers

Spanish centre-back set to miss return Kaunas meeting

Last updated: 4th August 2008

Carlos Cuellar

Cuellar: Calf strain

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Rangers are set to be without the services of star defender Carlos Cuellar for their UEFA Champions League qualifier against FBK Kaunas.

The Spaniard missed last Wednesday's first leg stalemate at Ibrox after suffering a calf strain in a pre-season friendly with Raith Rovers.

Hopes were high that the centre-back, who earned the plaudits last season as Rangers reached the Uefa Cup final, would recover in time for Tuesday's second leg.

However, Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist confesses Cuellar is unlikely to take part, despite travelling to Lithuania with the rest of the team.

"I wouldn't have thought he would play," said McCoist.

Danger

"There has been a vast improvement with his calf but it looks as though the game has come too quickly for him."

McCoist is also aware that there is a danger of crashing out of Europe unless Rangers improve on their first leg performance and recent pre-season form.

McCoist added: "It's a big test for us early in the season and it's a game that we need to get a result in if we want to play European football - it's as simple as that.

"The pressure is not a problem, we showed last season that we can handle the pressure when it comes to getting results.

"We had a superb run in Europe last season and we know what's at stake this time - so let's get on with it."