FILIP HELANDER is in line to return to action for Rangers when the champions face Annan in the Scottish Cup this weekend.

The Swede has not featured since being crocked during the win away to St Johnstone in September and has spent several months working his way back towards full fitness.

Boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has opted to leave Helander out of the Europa League squad and he will not feature in the knockout tie with Borussia Dortmund.

But the defender could finally get back on the pitch and step up his recovery at Galabank as Van Bronckhorst's side attempt to take another step towards cup silverware on Saturday.

Van Bronckhorst said: "It was a hard decision to leave him out of the European squad because we had only 23 players we could put on the list.

"At that time, I chose the players who were fit to play games and also players who can play in different roles. Filip is really close to starting getting minutes again.

"Hopefully we can involve him in the weekend so he starts playing and also be involved in the squad in the league and the cup competition. The only competition he cannot play is in Europe.

"Once he makes his minutes, he will be back in the squad as well. It’s looking quite positive for him. He will be back playing really soon."