McLeish will miss Malcolm
Rangers manager Alex McLeish admits losing Bob Malcolm for the Hogmanay clash with Dundee United is a blow.
The in-form midfielder picked up his sixth caution of the season in the 1-0 victory over Hearts at Ibrox on Saturday which means he has reached the 18 penalty point threshold.
Malcolm can play in the Boxing Day trip to Dunfermline but will sit out the United game at Ibrox on December 31.
McLeish told the club’s website, www.rangersfc.co.uk: “It’s a blow to lose Bob because he has been doing very well for us in recent matches.
“I think he has slotted in very well to the central area and his range of passing has been excellent.
“I think we have looked better with Bob in the side and we hope he can continue that level of performance next week against Dunfermline.
“You can never legislate for suspensions and injuries and unfortunately we are about to suffer again.”
The 25-year-old, who made his 60th Bank of Scotland Premier League start against Hearts, has been in the side for the last four matches and has played a key role in midfield alongside Barry Ferguson.
Malcolm played in Peter Lovenkrands for the opening goal at Kilmarnock on December 11 and it was his free-kick against Hearts on December 17 which lead to the Dane clinching a vital victory.
McLeish is already short in midfield with injuries to Brahim Hemdani, Fernando Ricksen and Alex Rae, while Gavin Rae is only just on the comeback trail after 20 months out.
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