Second title in sight for Rangers

After a couple of missed opportunities Rangers could clinch their second Scottish Premier League championship in a row when they face Hibernian on Sunday.

Walter Smith’s side could even be crowned champions before they take to the pitch at Easter Road if Celtic slip-up in their early kick-off match against Dundee United at Tannadice.

A last minute winner for the Hoops against Hibs last weekend spoiled a title party for the Rangers fans at Ibrox last week but with only two points needed to win back-to-back league titles their destiny is firmly in their own hands this weekend.

However Hibs, who still need points to make sure of a place in Europe next season, will be desperate to delay the celebrations after having to watch Rangers party on their pitch when they won the title there on the last day of the 2004/05 season.

One Rangers player hoping they can get the points needed for the championship is Sasa Papac.

The Bosnian defender’s booking in a match against Dundee United took him over the disciplinary points threshold meaning the match at Easter Road is his last before a two-game suspension starts.

And he says being part of the title win will make up for the disappointment of missing the final Old Firm game of the season on May 4.

“I want to be on the pitch so I would love to do it this weekend. The suspension is so frustrating because I have been involved in nearly all the games this season,” Papac said.

“I want to be part of the celebrations and play in the match that wins the league. To miss out now is not great, but getting booked is just part of the game.

“I will have to watch the last Old Firm game from the stand, which is never easy, but we have enough good players to come in to replace me.

“Everyone is together here and we work for each other. Of course I am disappointed I can’t be involved, but winning the league on Sunday will make it less frustrating.

“It won’t be easy, but we have the quality and a good attitude and I’m confident we can get the win. I think we will be celebrating on Sunday.”

The Gers will be without Danny Wilson after the defender injured himself in a bounce game against Celtic at their Murray Park training ground on Wednesday.

Their rivals will not want to hand the title to Rangers by dropping points away to Dundee United. Despite facing up to their first trophyless season in seven years the Hoops have won four league games in a row under caretaker boss Neil Lennon, a feat they hadn’t managed in nearly two years.

However Dundee United are chasing the Hoops for second spot and are seven points ahead. Celtic have been boosted by the return of central defenders Thomas Rogne and Glenn Loovens to training and both could feature in Sunday’s squad.

On Saturday the relegation battle hots up with three sides separated by just one point.

Bottom club Falkirk take on Hamilton while St Mirren and Kilmarnock, who are just a point above the Bairns face each other. Hearts host Motherwell at Tynecastle with both sides chasing points in their bid to claim a European spot.

Fixtures (1400 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

Falkirk v Hamilton

Hearts v Motherwell

St Johnstone v Aberdeen (1100)

St Mirren v Kilmarnock

Sunday

Dundee United v Celtic (1115)

Hibernian v Rangers (1330)