STEVIE SMITH and Andy Webster are set to boost Rangers' bid to wrap up second place in the SPL by returning to Walter Smith's plans.
The duo are making good progress on the comeback trail from their respective operations and have returned to light training.
Rangers hope they will be available for the first game after the league split, against Hearts at Ibrox on April 21.
Smith has been out for the past three months with a groin injury, while Wigan loan signing Webster required a minor knee op after getting injured in his first training session at Murray Park in January.
When they return, Smith will see his defensive options strengthened for the run-in, as Rangers aim to kick on from the seven-point lead they currently have over Aberdeen in the battle for a Champions League berth.
The Rangers boss will also find out within the next 24 hours whether or not Dado Prso will consider playing on next season.
The 32-year-old Croatian striker was today visiting a specialist in France, who will give him the verdict on his long-standing knee problem.
Prso's agent, Ranko Stoijc, confirmed: "Dado will see the doctor today. He wants to be sure he could play for another season.
"Dado did not want me to talk to Rangers about anything until his position is confirmed. By the end of the week, everything should be clear regarding his future."
Last week, the former Monaco man hinted that he may have to quit the game because of the toll the injuries were now taking on him.
Smith has been monitoring several strikers as he awaits a decision from Prso, and was today linked with Israeli striker Toto Tamuz.
The highly rated 19-year-old won his fourth cap in the 0-0 draw with England at the weekend and his club, Beitar Jerusalem, are believed to be ready to sell him for around £1million. Tamuz has scored 21 goals in 46 games for Beitar and a host of European clubs are keeping tabs on him.
Smith has yet to re-enter the bidding for Scott McDonald, with Rangers retaining a watching interest in the Motherwell striker they failed to land in January after a £400,000 offer.
Celtic have now entered the race for the Aussie and are believed to be favourites, although no deal has been agreed with the Fir Park club.
"We are in discussions with a couple of clubs," said Well boss Maurice Malpas today.
"I am not prepared to say who they are. But what I will say is that nobody has met our valuation, and until that happens he will remain a Motherwell player."
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