Broadfoot will join up with Rangers in the summer

The 22-year-old will start the game at Love Street despite pledging his future to Walter Smith's side by agreeing a pre-contract deal in March.

"We are in a situation where we have to play our best line-up and that means playing him," said MacPherson.

"Kirk has played almost every game for us - he's so influential for the team."

MacPherson has been full of praise for Broadfoot in recent weeks, and has described his performances as "absolutely immense".

His character is not in question Gus MacPherson on Kirk Broadfoot

"There were a lot of questions asked about his character after he signed the pre-contract agreement," he added.

"But has been absolutely immense for us in the three or four games he has played for us since then.

"I've worked with him for the last three years and I know exactly what type of person he is.

"His character is not in question."

Motherwell manager Maurice Malpas finds himself in a similar position this weekend and, has already taken the decision to drop Celtic-bound Scott McDonald for their clash at Celtic Park.

Saints managed to rescue a point in Wednesday night's 1-1 draw with Hibernian which opened up a seven point gap between themselves and bottom club Dunfermline Athletic.

However, while they are still not completely clear of relegation danger, the Buddies manager feels he is simply not in a position to drop one of his best players.

"Every manager is different and has a different view on things," explained MacPherson.

"Maurice has valid reasons for the decision he made and we have different reasons of our own."