Cuellar injury blow for Rangers

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Cuellar will miss Gers Euro tie

Rangers defender Carlos Cuellar will miss Wednesday's Champions League qualifier with Kaunas at Ibrox after picking up a calf injury.

The Spaniard pulled up in the first half of the 2-1 friendly win over Raith Rovers at Stark's Park.

"It is a setback to lose Carlos," manager Walter Smith told the club website but he added that the player has a chance of making the return leg.

"We have to show we have a squad that can handle this situation."

Cuellar was playing his first pre-season game after being troubled by calf problem but lasted just 29 minutes before limping off.

"Carlos has another calf strain and it is in a different area from where his previous one was a couple of weeks ago," added Smith.

"It is a possibility that he will be fit for the return match in Lithuania and we're hopeful he won't be out for long."

The Rangers goals came from Nacho Novo and Daniel Cousin after Kevin Smith had shot Rovers into a half time lead.

Smith's goal came when Rangers keeper Allan McGregor fumbled a header from Mark Campbell.

With 20 minutes remaining, Novo, who began his time in Scotland with Rovers, levelled with a strike through the legs of keeper David McGurn from 10 yards.

MY SPORT: DEBATE How will Rangers cope without Cuellar?

Cousin tapped in the winner on 79 minutes, finishing off a deflected cross from fellow late substitute Kyle Lafferty.

Midfielders Lee McCulloch and Kevin Thomson missed the trip to Kirkcaldy but are both expected to be fit for Wednesday's match.