Your five minute guide to Rangers v Motherwell

The new directors at Rangers were rightly indignant when they discovered Newcastle United would be due a £500,000 bonus if the Ibrox club won promotion to the SPFL Premiership this season shortly after taking charge back in March. For only two of the five loan players who arrived from St. James's Park at the end of the January transfer window have featured. And Remi Streete lasted less than 45 minutes.

However, Haris Vuckic, the only member of the quintet to be involved regularly, has been absolutely outstanding. He could once again be a key player for his rejuvenated side in the first leg of the play-off final against Motherwell this evening. Interim manager Stuart McCall has moved the Slovenian internationalist, who can play wide on the right or just behind a lone striker, into a more central role in the last three games with impressive results. He has been far more involved and has influenced play to a much greater degree as a result of that change of position.

The 22-year-old midfielder possesses composure, technical ability and the guile to unlock a defence. His deft chip over the heads of the Hibs defence in the first leg of the semi-final at Ibrox last week created the opening goal just before half-time and set the home team on their way to a crucial 2-0 triumph.

Vuckic also has an eye for goal. He has netted nine times, including on no fewer than eight occasions at Ibrox, in just 20 appearances. Despite only being in Scotland for less than four months, he is his side's joint third top scorer alongside Nicky Clark and Kenny Miller.

For Motherwell, another player with an exemplary track record in front of goal will be important. Scott McDonald has bagged five goals in just 11 games since returning to the Fir Park club on a short-term contract in February. He is free to play in this game after having a red card against St. Mirren earlier this month rescinded and reduced to a yellow.

The 31-year-old is experienced and won't be fazed by the prospect of playing in front of a sell-out crowd at Ibrox. In fact, he will relish it. He had a good track record against Rangers during his time as a Celtic player. He scored the winner in a festive Old Firm game at the Govan stadium back in 2008.

Hibs played well in the both legs of the play-off semi-final against Rangers. They dominated possession for long spells and carved out some excellent chances in the final third of the park. Unfortunately for Alan Stubb's side, they didn't have anyone to put them away. Motherwell won't have that issue with McDonald in the starting line-up.

KEY CLASH

Seeing how young Andy Murdoch fares against experienced campaigner Keith Lasley in the centre of the park will be fascinating. Murdoch has rightly earned plaudits for his mature performances for Rangers since breaking into the first team back in February. He has not been daunted by any opposition or any venue and has taken the play-offs in his stride. A game against Lasley, however, will be the sternest test he has faced in his fledgling career. The 35-year-old Motherwell enforcer is uncompromising and will give his 20-year-old rival a difficult evening.

TACTICAL BATTLE

Rangers are rightly the favourites for the first leg of the play-off final. Stuart McCall's side have momentum after negotiating the quarter-final against Queen of the South and the semi-final against Hibs. They will also have the vast majority of the sell-out crowd inside Ibrox behind them. Motherwell, meanwhile, have been going in the opposite direction. I can see Ian Baraclough's side sitting back, endeavouring to soak up pressure and looking to grab a goal on the counter attack. Limiting the damage Rangers cause this evening will give them a decent chance of winning in the second leg on Sunday. Darren McGregor, the Ibrox club's best defender, will miss the Fir Park game due to a suspension.

PREDICTION

Rangers 3 Motherwell 1