Papac Concern For Gers

[ian1964 10,708]

WALTER SMITH was delighted to see Rangers close the gap at the top of the SPL at Easter Road but admits the victory has come at a cost with Sasa Papac taking a knock which could rule him out of forthcoming matches in the title run-in.

 

The Bosnian international looks to have suffered ligament damage to his knee although the Gers gaffer faces an anxious wait to find out the extent of the problem.

 

Sasa Papac and Hibs' Jonaton JohanssonPapac returned the starting eleven for today's 3-2 victory at against Hibs having needed stitches to an ankle wound picked up against St. Mirren and Smith is hoping his new injury is not as bad as first feared.

 

He said: "Kris Boyd has taken a wee knock and should be ok but we have concerns for Papac as he took a sore one to his knee.

 

"Hopefully it will settle down but we think there might be ligament damage there. It might not be major but we will have to wait and see."

 

Goals from Steven Whittaker, Andrius Velicka and Mo Edu secured three vital points for the Light Blues on a tough trip to the capital and Smith was delighted with the commitment shown from every player in his team.

 

He said: "It is never easy to come to Easter Road and get a result.

 

"We got the early goal which was a nice cushion for us but we needed it as I thought Hibs played very well just after that.

 

"We had one or two chances to increase our lead but overall I felt our possession was not as good as it should have been in the first-half.

 

"But credit to Hibs as they put us under a lot of pressure and were quick to the ball.

 

"Second-half I thought we played a bit better and obviously getting the second goal had a big impact on the game. Andrius Velicka

 

"It was a terrific strike from Andrius and it came at an important time.

 

"We then added another one but like many of our games this season we lost a goal although I have to say it was a great hit from John Rankin.

 

"We had to deal with a little bit of pressure after that but overall we are delighted with the win prior to the split.

 

"In recent weeks we have brought in players who haven't played as often as they would have liked.

 

"But we have always had a good reaction from them when they have come in and joined the group.

 

"Velicka's season has been upset a little bit through injury and Steven Smith has been out of things for a very long time.

 

"So they have done very well and have shown a great commitment to the team."

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SASA PAPAC should be fit for the SPL title run-in after he was assessed by the club's medical staff this morning.

 

The Bosnian defender came off 13 minutes from the end of yesterday's 3-2 win over Hibernian at Easter Road with a knee problem.

 

After the game there were fears he had sustained ligament damage and had that proved to be the case, his season would be over.

 

But after reporting to Murray Park this morning, he is walking normally has been told he could be back in training again later this week.

 

Papac is suspended for Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final with St Mirren in any case so he has time on his side and is likely to be in contention to play Hearts on May 3.

 

Assistant Ally McCoist said: "The worst scenario would have been that Sasa had ligament damage and that would have been a major concern if that was the case.

 

"But we're optimistic it's stiffness more than anything and hopefully he'll be okay. He has been seeing the physio this morning and we're hoping the problem isn't too serious.

 

"Sasa hasn't had his troubles to seek lately after he needed stitches in his foot against St Mirren a couple of weeks ago.

 

"Now he has a knee knock but he's a hardy soul and we're keeping our fingers crossed for him."

 

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