Rangers assistant manager Gary McAllister admits the Ibrox pitch needs time to recover after Storm Dennis ravaged its quality before two games were played on the grass in the same week.

Gers' home game last Saturday against Livingston was postponed due to the waterlogged pitch, only for it to be rescheduled for the following day, where the hosts managed a 1-0 win in the Premiership.

Last night the Europa League last-32 first-leg clash with Braga also took its toll on the pitch, albeit Rangers again came out on top with a terrific 3-2 victory having gone down 2-0 to the visitors.

READ MORE: Celtic hero Chris Sutton congratulates Rangers on 'winning Europa League' after Braga comeback celebrations

Steven Gerrard's men are now not in action at home again until March 4 against Hamilton and assistant McAllister reckons it provides an opportunity for the grass to improve.

"The pitch needs a breather," he said. "A lot of hard work by the ground staff to get the game on last week and it has continued to rain every day since."

McAllister also confirmed left-back Borna Barisic would be missing from this weekend's St Johnstone game after hobbling off last night. He added: "Borna Barisic took a big blow to the kidney area so he is out for the weekend and we will monitor him over the next few days."