Injured Evans could miss opener

But the good news is that a subsequent scan has revealed no break, although there is still substantial swelling that is making the 25-year-old a continued doubt for the big kick-off.

Young understudy Danny Allen took his place in the match and stands by again, while there is an outside chance trialist Tom Harrison could be drafted back in to play.

But Evans is refusing to give up without a fight, and will cling on to the goalkeeper's jersey unless his health fails him.

He said: "I am going to do all I can to make it, I desperately want to play on Saturday. I would say it's 50-50 at the moment, it's still very swollen. All I can do is continue to put ice on it, rest and hopefully it will heal.

"When I came to this club, Chris told me I was coming in as his first-choice, so it would be a choker for me if I someone else took my place on the opening day because I couldn't make it.

"There is competition for my place, so I have to be ready to play and be on top of my game to stay in the team."

Evans had already suffered an horrific facial injury just two minutes into his Rangers debut at Kidsgrove on July 11, practically slicing the end of his nose off in a wound that required 11 stitches to close.

Now the former Southern League goalkeeper of the year has another setback to overcome, and is hoping his luck will change for the better.

He said: "I have just had no luck at all, twice I have been injured now and I hope this is the last of it.

"First I got within minutes of my debut, now this. It's hard to take, but if this is the last time I get hurt and I am fit for the whole season I will be happy.

"I came to Rangers to make the step up and play first-team football, so my goal is to stay well enough to do that."