Rangers boss Michael Beale confirms fresh Antonio Colak injury blow after striker subbed-off against Dundee United

RANGERS boss Michael Beale has revealed Antonio Colak had to go off against Dundee United because he was injured.

The Light Blues' top goalscorer returned to the starting XI at Tannadice, making his first appearance since November 9.

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But it was a short-lived return for the 29-year old, who didn't reappear for the second-half.

Alfredo Morelos was sent on at the break before the Gers struck twice to win the match 2-0.

After the match, Beale revealed that he didn't want to take Colak off - and it was a change forced upon him after yet another injury blow.

Beale told BBC Sportsound: "It was nice to see Kemar Roofe come back today, he was our top scorer in the season we won the league and he's been lost to us for a while.

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"The unfortunate side is Antonio Colak picked up a knock and had to go off at half-time.

"That was a forced change and not one we wanted to make.

"That's unfortunate for him but I'm hoping it's not a long one."

Colak enjoyed a stunning start to life in Glasgow after his summer move from PAOK in Greece.

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Prior to his injury in early November, he'd bagged 14 goals in all competitions and had firmly established himself as the club's main striker.

Rangers had hoped their number 9 would be ready to return after the resumption of domestic football after the World Cup break.

But a continuing calf problem meant it wasn't until Monday when he was able to be named in a matchday squad, over two weeks on from the return of the Premiership.

He was named in the squad to face Celtic at Ibrox, but remained an unused substitute at Ibrox.

And he endured a rather frustrating 45 minutes at Tannadice with little service before he had to be replaced.

Fashion Sakala and Malik Tillman struck early in the second-half as Rangers secured a 2-0 win to move back to within nine points of the Hoops.

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