Rangers could have a massive boost ahead of a busy next few weeks with Nikica Jelavic, Maurice Edu and Steven Naismith set to return to first-team action.

Jelavic has been sorely missed in the Rangers first-team after picking up an ankle ligament injury in the 2-1 win over Hearts following a nasty challenge from Ian Black. Jelavic has been in Croatia over the festive period and will return this week to step-up his preparation to return to the squad.

Smith told RangersTV: "Nikica has been back in Croatia training at the national centre in Zagreb and doing very well. We will see how he is in terms of his overall fitness and I would hope he wouldn't be too far away from playing."

He added: "I would think it would be the middle of the month but we will just have to wait and see.

© Daily Record

Edu has been out since the 3-0 defeat to Hibs and could return for Monday's Scottish Cup match with Kilmarnock at Ibrox along with Steven Naismith who missed Sunday's Old Firm game with a hamstring injury.

Smith added: "They are both recovering now and by the weekend they should be nearly ready. Monday's Killie game is maybe too soon because Maurice hasn't played since mid-November but I am hoping he will be fit by then.

"Whether we have to throw him in or not will depend on our situation".

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