PAUL GASCOIGNE's keenly awaited return to Scottish football this afternoon is likely to be a promise only half fulfilled. The celebrated England midfielder, player of the year in all the major polls last season, will probably see no more than 30 minutes of action in Rangers' Premier Division match at Dunfermline.

Bothered by an ankle injury sustained in the pre-season workouts, Gascoigne will be a substitute at East End Park, with manager Walter Smith deliberately not rushing him back to full operation. Even limited participation from Gascoigne will, however, help to complete Dunfermline's gala day.

Last season's First Division champions will unfurl the league flag in front of a capacity 18,500 crowd. The Fife club originally scheduled the party for opening day last week, but their fixture with Hearts was postponed to accommodate the Edinburgh side's journey back from Belgrade, following their Cup Winners' Cup match with Red Star less than 48 hours earlier.

Smith also has to make a decision over his captain, Richard Gough, who sustained a gashed eye and nose in the League Cup tie against Clydebank on Wednesday. Go ugh could probably play, but with Alania Vladikavkaz to be faced in the European Cup on Wednesday, it is unlikely that the risk of re-opening the wound will be taken.

Celtic's injury problems for the home match with Raith Rovers are mountainous. Paolo di Canio, Paul McStay, Phil O'Donnell and Alan Stubbs are certain non starters, with doubts over Andreas Thom, Brian O'Neil, Morten Wieghorst and Jackie McNamara.

Manager Tommy Burns's squad is so depleted that two teenagers, central defender Paddy Kelly and forward John Paul McBride, could take part at some stage. Burns remains hopeful that Di Canio, Thorn, Stubbs and O'Neil will be available for Tuesday's UEFA Cup match with FC Kosice at Parkhead.