Hi °C | Lo °C Kyle Lafferty is set for an Old Firm rehearsal when Northern Ireland take on Scotland in Glasgow next week.
The Rangers striker, who is almost certain to start alongside Cardiff City and Ipswich Town target David Healy, will come face-to-face with a Celtic defensive duo at Hampden Park next Wednesday night.
Bhoys skipper Stephen McManus and Gary Caldwell will get to grips with Lafferty less than two weeks before te SPL’s first Old Firm clash of the season at Parkhead on August 31.
Long-term Rangers target Steven Davis will also enjoy familiar rivalries in the heart of the midfield where Celtic trio Scott Brown, Paul Hartley and Barry Robson will line-up for George Burley’s side.
Craig Gordon will keep goal with Steven Whittaker and Kevin McNaughton operating as full-backs.
Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington will be faced with a three-man attack consisting of Hibs’ Steven Fletcher, Birmingham’s James McFadden — who has been linked with a return to the SPL with Rangers — and Ibrox hitman Kenny Miller.
Meanwhile, Rangers are still hoping to tie up a deal for Fulham’s Steven Davis despite signing a new midfielder last night.
Walter Smith has swooped for 19-year old Valencia ace Aaron Niguez Esclapez on a two-year loan deal with a view to making the move permanent in 2010.
