Rangers midfielder Lee McCulloch will know more about his troublesome knee when he sees a specialist this week. The 32-year old was forced out of Sunday's Old Firm derby because of a cyst in his knee and will learn more about his fate for the remainder of the season soon according to 'Gers boss Walter Smith who is looking at a worst case scenario.

"It could well be the case that Lee is out for the rest of the season and we're preparing for that aspect," he told the club's official website.

"If an operation is necessary, he'll be out until the end of the campaign but we'll see what the situation is once he has been assessed."

If that is the case, Smith acknowledges that McCulloch will be a very big loss to his side.

"I don't think there's any doubt we missed Lee yesterday and the bit of stability he provides," he added.

"If you were looking at him over the period, I think he was heading towards being our player of the year this year. His performances have been fantastic.

"Maurice Edu and Jamie Ness are different types of players but that's something we'll have to try to cover for in the latter stages of the season if we are to be without Lee."