By Andrew Dickson

WALTER SMITH is hopeful Sasa Papac will return to action on Wednesday after missing Rangers' last two games with a knee injury.

The Bosnian defender had to come off early during the 3-0 win over Falkirk eight days ago at Ibrox when the problem flared up again.

It is something which has been hindering Papac in recent weeks but it wasn't until last Wednesday's League Cup semi-final with St Johnstone that he had to sit out a match.

He was also missing when Gers travelled to Paisley to play St Mirren in the Scottish Cup at the weekend.

But Papac returned to full training this morning and should be able to take his place at left-back in the crucial SPL fixture at Motherwell two days from now.

Manager Smith said: "We're hopeful Sasa will be fit for the trip to Fir Park. He doesn't miss many games and we're keen to get him back.

"He has missed the last couple of matches but he was out with the rest of the players today along with DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu.

"As long as there's no reaction to him training, he should be able to return to the team in midweek."

Smith is close to finding himself with a fully-fit squad at last, although he maintains there are still a number of players he has to treat with care.

Kris Boyd, Beasley, Edu and Kenny Miller have all missed games recently and the Light Blues boss is appreciative of that.

He added: "What we've got to remember is that there are a few in the group who have missed a lot of football.

"It will take them a little bit of time to settle back in. Kenny has missed the least games so he isn't a big problem but we still have to take a bit of care with him.

"When we have three games a week, it can be awkward for him and we'll use him, Kris and the rest at the right times."