Kris Boyd set to accept new Rangers contract, commiting best years to Ibrox club

He was forced to leave the field during Sunday's 3-3 draw at Hamilton and the initial prognosis, confirmed following consultation with a specialist on Tuesday, was that surgery would be required and that he could miss as many as 12 matches in all three domestic competitions.

With 19 goals already this season, manager Walter Smith can ill afford to lose that potency but Rangers may yet reap a benefit from the striker's misfortune.