Steven Whittaker out for six weeks

Glasgow Rangers full-back Steven Whittaker has been ruled out for at least six weeks following surgery on a hernia problem.

The injury had forced the Scotland international to miss the Gers' last three matches, including the festive defeat to local rivals Celtic.

He travelled to Manchester yesterday afternoon to gain advice from a specialist, who advised him that an operation was the best option.

Whittaker, 27, joined Rangers in 2007 from fellow Scottish Premier League side Hibernian.