RANGERS central-defender Bruno Alves has been ruled out of today’s lunchtime match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox.

With the clubs set to clash for the first time this season, the Portuguese international has been ruled out with the calf injury which forced him from the action during Tuesday night’s Betfred Cup quarter-final versus Patrick Thistle.

Alves, 35, was substituted with around 15 minutes of normal time remaining in the cup clash. Young defender Ross McCrorie replaced the experienced centre-half and impressed, despite the side losing a late goal to force extra-time.

Manager Pedro Caixinha subsequently hailed the performance of the 19-year-old, who now looks set to start alongside Fabio Cardoso.

Rangers have further defensive issues, with Danny Wilson and captain Lee Wallace both ruled out, while the latter’s potential replacement Declan John is also a doubt.