McAllister admits busy fixture list will affect Rangers

Gary McAllister admits the festive flurry of fixtures is taking it’s toll on the Rangers squad ahead of another massive week of action.

The Ibrox side have faced six games since the start of December and have another three huge league matches in six days starting with a visit to St Johnstone on Sunday and ending with the derby against Celtic on Saturday, December 29.

Only then will top flight sides be granted a break as the division goes into a winter shutdown for three weeks.

McAllister admits the Rangers squad is creaking.

Scott Arfield suffered a knock in the midweek stalemate against Hibs while Connor Goldson and Gareth McAuley are both managing niggles.

Ryan Kent has featured just once since the start of November after damaging a hamstring and Graham Dorrans and Jamie Murphy have both missed the vast majority of the season with knee injuries.

McAllister said: “The number of games is starting to affect the players.

“We have a couple of little niggles, Scott being one of them.

“But we are hopeful he will be fine for the next three games.

“Connor has a couple of little niggles and Gareth McAuley is struggling so players have taken a few knocks.”