Rangers fans were furious after Carlos Cuellar was sold to Aston Villa for 7.8 million pounds in August but defender David Weir has hailed summer signing Madjid Bougherra for filling the void left by last season's player of the year.

Spanish centre-half Cullar has all but been forgotten following some magic displays from Bougherra since his arrival with Weir saying the Algerian international has hardly put a foot wrong since joining from Charlton.

"Replacing Carlos was going to be hard for whoever was asked to do that and they have been big boots to fill," Weir said.  "But Madjid has come in and taken to things straight away.

"It's a big compliment to him that he has made the fans forget about Carlos very quickly. That was a big ask but he has done it. He keeps things simple and that is the nature of being a defender. He has good habits and has been a good addition."

Rangers take on Aberdeen at Ibrox in a Scottish Premier League clash on Saturday. Celtic take on St Mirren earlier in the day and Weir knows his side could take to the field seven points behind their Old Firm rivals. Rangers dropped points to Aberdeen earlier in the season following a 1-1 draw at Pittodrie and Weir, who scored in that game, says the Ibrox club must match the Dons' desire to win if they are to take three points on Saturday.

It's a big compliment to him that he has made the fans forget about Carlos very quickly. That was a big ask but he has done it.
David Weir on Madjid Bougherra.

"Aberdeen always raise their game when they play Rangers," the veteran defender said. "We know we will have to match their desire to win and we have to compete with them on that level. They have had a difficult start to the season but they've recovered and are pushing on and looking for a European place.

"Aberdeen are one of the league's bigger clubs and it's traditional that they challenge at the top end so we know they'll come here looking for something but we're hopeful."

Celtic take on St Mirren at Love Street looking to make it 11 SPL matches without defeat. The Parkhead club have won all their league games since their Old Firm derby defeat to Rangers at the end of August. St Mirren have already defeated the other half of the Old Firm at Love Street this season and will take heart from a decent showing against Rangers at Ibrox last weekend.

Dundee United host bottom-placed club Hamilton who were narrowly defeated by Celtic in their previous fixture. United will want to bounce back from their defeat to Kilmarnock which ended their ten match unbeaten run. Hearts face Falkirk at Tynecastle hoping to hold on to third spot in the SPL.

Falkirk are on a high after a 1-0 win over Motherwell last week. Inverness Caledonian Thistle travel to Rugby Park to take on Kilmarnock. The Highland club sit just four points above the relegation place and will want to pick up some vital points on their travels.

Hibernian take on Motherwell at Fir Park. The Edinburgh side know a win could see them leapfrog their hosts in the league.

Fixtures

Saturday
St Mirren-Celtic
Dundee United-Hamilton
Hearts-Falkirk
Kilmarnock-Inverness CT
Motherwell v Hibernian
Rangers v Aberdeen