Rangers' Steven Whittaker could play through pain
Last updated on .From the section Football
Steven Whittaker could play for Rangers against Inverness Caledonian Thistle despite the broken toe that led to his withdrawal from the Scotland squad.
And Nikica Jelavic and Maurice Edu, who withdrew from the Croatia and United States squads respectively through injury, could also feature on Saturday.
Rangers manager Ally McCoist said of Whittaker: "Although it is very painful, it might be a situation where he will be able to play with it.
"But we don't want to do more damage."
Defender Whittaker, who was sent off early in the Champions League defeat by Malmo, pulled out of Craig Levein's squad for Wednesday's friendly against Denmark at Hampden.
"Steven Whittaker suffered a problem in the game against Malmo," McCoist told his club website.
"He went for an x-ray and something has shown up in one of his toes.
"We don't think it is anything too major and we would hope he would be fit for Saturday's game at Inverness.
"We are going to sit down and have a chat with the doctor.
"Obviously the most important thing is that he is right to play. Time will tell."
Striker Jelavic was due to be in Slaven Bilic's squad to face Republic of Ireland, while midfielder Edu was expected to feature in a friendly against Mexico that marks Jurgen Klinsmann's first game in charge of the USA.
However, goalkeeper Allan McGregor and striker Steven Naismith will play for the Scots, while midfielder Steven Davis and striker David Healy are with the Northern Ireland squad as they face the Faroe Islands.
Grant Adam, Ross Perry, Darren Cole and Gregg Wylde are also involved with the Scotland Under-21 squad.
"I have always said it's important for our players to be involved at international level," insisted McCoist.
Meanwhile, Rangers have recalled Adam from his loan spell with Forfar Athletic because of a long-term njury suffered by third-choice goalkeeper Scott Gallacher.
