RANGERS may prove to be of invaluable assistance to Celtic in the Parkhead club's quest for a place in the second round of the UEFA Cup.

Having paid Hamburg £4 million for defender Jorg Albertz, Walter Smith seems to have stripped the German club Celtic's opponents in Glasgow tonight in the first leg of their first round tie of their most effective organiser and motivator.

Hamburg have lost 4-0 and 3-0 in their last two Bundesliga matches to Stuttgart and Borussia Moenchengladbach respectively and team coach Felix Magath is appalled by the lack of spirit in his players.

Albertz had been the team captain and was not only idolised by the fans, but hugely respected by his team mates. The loss of his, influence seems to have been seriously damaging. The goalkeeper, 11 year veteran Richard Golz, is now the team captain and he is said to be unable to keep the team in shape on the field.

All of this contrasts starkly with the recent form of Celtic who have scored 13 goals in their last three matches. But Tommy Burns, the manager, confirmed yesterday that central defender Alan Stubbs will be missing after injuring an ankle in Saturday's 5-0 thrashing of Hibernian.

There is also a doubt over right back Jackie McNamara, who missed the Hibernian game with gastroenteritis. McNamara joined the squad at their headquarters on the Ayrshire coasts yesterday, but he will be closely monitored for after effects before a decision is made.

Celtic's entire defence will depend on the availability of McNaara. If he plays, Tom Boyd will revert to central defence along with John Hughes. Without McNamara, Boyd will remain at right back, with Brian O'Neil joining Hughes in the middle.

"We have a job to do in that area," Burns warned. "Of course, the way things have been going, our players look as though they are enjoying themselves and capable of scoring goals every time they play. But Hamburg will be different, we'll have to pay attention at the back."

Antoine Kombouare, the defender bought from Swiss side FC Sion recently, is ineligible, having played in the Cup Winners' Cup for his previous club. He could be replaced by international Stewart McKimmie, who tired out in the reserves yesterday after an absence through injury. If McKimmie has no reaction, he could play.