Dick Advocaat, the Rangers coach, yesterday called off his pursuit of Stephane Guivarc'h, Newcastle's unwanted striker, when the Frenchman made it clear that he had no desire to play in Scotland.

"It won't happen now," said Advocaat. "He has told us he wants to stay in England or go back to France. We did want Guivarc'h and we did try.'

Included in the speculation over new Ibrox signings was the Italian striker Marco Simone, who is said to be unhappy at Paris StGermain.

Despite a shortage of attacking players, Advocaat has dropped Gabriel Amato, the Argentinian signed for £4.2 million from Real Mallorca in the summer, for today's home match against Hearts.

The return of Andrei Kanchelskis from injury gives Advocaat more choice but it remains to be seen whether he is ready to play from the start. A place on the bench seems likely.

Celtic's visit to Dunfermline could feature the return of Jackie McNamara after a six-week absence with knee trouble. Henrik Larsson is also expected to have recovered from a knock.