Rangers have confirmed that they will be without Nacho Novo for Sunday's Old Firm derby at Celtic Park.

But Rangers boss Walter Smith has been boosted by the news that Kenny Miller will be fit despite his withdrawal from Scotland duty with a hamstring problem.

Novo, 29, was rated doubtful last week after hobbling out of the 2-0 win over Dundee United on 31 January with an ankle knock.

But Smith is now resigned to losing the Spanish striker for several weeks.

"Nacho will miss the Celtic game," said Smith. "Unfortunately his ankle will keep him out of that one.

"We are disappointed to lose him because he is one of those players who has been starting in the team and playing well recently.

"Even as a substitute, Nacho is the type to come on and make a great impact so we'll miss him in this game and the next few we have coming up."

The injury is a blow to Novo, who has scored seven goals this season, having only just won back his place in Smith's starting line-up, and to his team, who will face Celtic just two points behind in the title race.

Fellow striker Miller was initially expected to join up with George Burley's Scotland squad gathering in St Andrews this week.

But, following his withdrawal for precautionary reasons, a week of intensive treatment at Murray Park is expected to help him recover in time for Sunday.

"It is a different situation altogether with Kenny," Smith told the club website. "He will be okay for the match.

"He's getting a bit of discomfort at the top of his hamstring but the problem isn't actually in the muscle itself. He will be fine."

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