RANGERS have today been rocked by the news that Madjid Bougherra will miss next weekend's League Cup final and is expected to be out for three weeks.

Ally McCoist has confirmed that the Algerian has failed to recover from a hamstring tear picked up against Celtic at Ibrox two weeks ago.

And with a massive month of fixtures ahead, including a Scottish Cup quarter-final replay against Dundee United on March 24, Bougherra's injury is a huge blow at a crucial stage of the season.

McCoist, however, insists that Danny Wilson is capable of filling his boots and has hinted the 18-year-old will feature in his first senior final against the Buddies.

He said: "It's disppointing that Madjid is not able to play for us, he is one of our top players and one of the best in the country.

"But I think every team in the league goes through suspensions and injuries and we're no different.

"We have to get on with it but Danny has come in and been a fantastic find for us.

"He has played a lot more than some people might have thought he would this season and he's been doing very, very well.

"Danny's performances suggest that he is ready to play in any big games we put him in to.

"He has already featured in Cup, Old Firm and Champions League games so playing in a final will not be a problem to him."

Meanwhile, Lee McCulloch will miss the Scottish Cup quarter replay against Dundee United at Tannadice on March 24.

The midfielder picked up his twelfth caution of the season against the Arabs in the 3-3 draw at Ibrox.