Exclusive European Crunch Week Late Dan Fifa Ruling Could Leave Walter's Uefa Plans In Tatters
WALTER SMITH may ask Daniel Cousin to fire Rangers towards European glory tomorrow - even though FIFA could sanction the striker's sale to Fulham before kick-off.
Cousin is back training with Smith's first team ahead of the UEFA Cup clash with Pananthinaikos after the breakdown of his £3million January switch to Craven Cottage.
A final ruling on the 30-year-old's transfer is expected this week and the Ibrox club's chief executive, Martin Bain, has been advised the hearing is likely to go ahead tomorrow.
If Cousin is granted dispensation to play for three clubs in the same season he will leave Smith's squad immediately to sign for the Premiership strugglers.
Meanwhile, Smith is considering Cousin for a key role in attack against the Greeks as the Ibrox boss attempts to lead his side into the last 16.
Smith said: "I'm more concerned for the player because he's not getting a game and that could be considered a wee bit unfair. But the situation remains the same.
"I'll consider the possibility of playing Cousin against Panathinaikos up until FIFA make a decision. If it turns out he can go to Fulham then he goes. If not, that's fine by me.
"I am well aware that he hasn't played for three weeks because of the transfer situation but, even so, I would have no hesitation in playing him if I feel it will benefit the team.
"It will also depend on how we want to play but even without Jean-Claude Darcheville there are still options.
"I wouldn't have sanctioned Cousin's sale if I had thought it would leave us short of options to achieve our goals."
With Darcheville starting a three game Euro ban, Smith has a pool of five strikers from which to chose - Cousin, Kris Boyd, Steven Naismith, Nacho Novo and Lee McCulloch.
The Greeks have injury problems. Former Hearts star Takis Fyssas is crocked and won't travel.
He joins centre-half Josu Sarriegi, Sebastian Romero, Sotirios Leondiou and Orestis Karnezison on the sidelines.
