Burke and Adam are two of several players returning to fitness

Rangers midfielder Lee McCulloch does not expect to recover from injury until the Scottish Cup final against Queen of the South on 24 May.

And, even then, the Scotland international only anticipates playing a peripheral role at Hampden.

Following reports he could play against Motherwell on 7 May, he said: "There is no way I will be back in a couple of weeks or anything like that.

"But my aim is to get 10 minutes in the final at the end of the season."

Rangers have been struck with injuries and suspensions as they enter a hectic spell of matches at the end of the season.

But there have been hints that defender David Weir, injured in Sunday's defeat by Celtic, could recover in time to face Fiorentina in Thursday's Uefa Cup semi-final second leg.

The club's medical experts had feared that a torn adductor muscle in his thigh would bring a premature end to his season.

It now appears likely that the veteran, even if he does not play in Italy, will be back to face Hibernian three days later.

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Midfielder Charlie Adam had looked to have played his last game of the season.

But he has started light training and Rangers appear hopeful that he could play against Motherwell on 7 May.

And winger Chris Burke is nearly over the ankle knock he received against St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup.

Smith's squad will have to dig deep with a potential four matches in six days should they make the Uefa Cup final.

"We hope to have some of them back soon, as the injury list is obviously a concern with the schedule we have," said the Rangers boss.

"If we can get the likes of Chris, Lee, and Charlie back into the squad, it will increase our options."