D-Day looms

Last updated : 12 March 2004 By Mark O' Haire

Rangers look like they may travel up to Hartlepool with no recognised goalkeeper when the coach leaves on Friday morning.

Rangers have until noon on Saturday should they decide to register a loan player.

Nick Culkin is out for 7 weeks and Chris Day is not expected to be back in training for another 10 days.

Meanwhile, trialist Adriano Basso played for the reserves last night but has not yet competly convinced the Rangers management that he provides the answer to this goalkeeping crisis.

The good news for the Superhoops is that Arthur Gnohere and Matthew Rose both trained today and will be fit to travel north. Gino Padula is now in his aircast boot and is hoping to be back playing before the end of the season.

Rangers are short of cover at left back, but an adaptable full back will be back in training on Monday. Richard Edghill was being put through his paces this morning and is expected to train with the first team next week.

Gareth Ainsworth felt soreness in his foot whilst kicking earlier in the week so he has been pulled out of training. Nevertheless he is expected to resume early next week.

Dan Shittu’s recovery is going well. QPR phyiso, Prav Mathema, is happy with his progress.

He said: "Dan is five weeks into his programme. Hopefully he will be running in 12 weeks which is good because the norm is 16 weeks.”