Rangers manager Ally McCoist hopes to hand Francisco Sandaza his return to action on Sunday - but will not take any risks with the striker.

The Spaniard is progressing well after suffering a fractured cheekbone during the Scottish Communities League Cup win over Motherwell in September.

Sandaza featured in a midweek reserves match and could be in contention for the visit of Elgin in the William Hill Scottish Cup but only if given the green light by club medics.

McCoist said: "He's definitely ahead of schedule and he's keen to get back involved.

"We have had to watch him a little bit. It was an horrendous facial knock and, that being the case, it's a slightly different injury.

"If you're not careful with it, he could seriously damage himself again.

"He wants to get back, we want to get him back, and we will monitor him.

"He played in the midweek reserves game and scored and he has been looking great in training.

"He would certainly come into our plans but I would have to continue to take medical advice on that one."

McCoist would love to see Rangers embark on a lengthy cup run this season but says promotion from the Irn-Bru Third Division remains the main aim.

He said: "Getting out of the division is the priority by 100 miles.

"But you would like to think you've got the potential to go on a good cup run.

"You look on the cup as being something fresh, something exciting, and you want to go as far in the competition as you possibly can.

"I don't see any reason why we can't get through this tough game against Elgin and then go on a run.

"That's everybody's dream in the cup."

Rangers welcome Elgin to Ibrox after last week's league clash between the two sides was postponed when it emerged City had sold too many tickets for the match at Borough Briggs.

McCoist said: "They're a goalscoring side - they score goals, they get players forward and create chances.

"The one thing we shouldn't forget is that the Elgin players, coaches and management will be as disappointed that last week's game was off as much as anybody.

"They had a real opportunity to make a mark and get back to the top of the league.

"I'd imagine the Elgin players would have been right up for last week's game and (manager) Ross Jack will make sure that carries over to this Sunday."