SASA PAPAC is expected to complete a new three-year deal with Rangers within the next 72 hours.

And Ibrox manager Walter Smith today heaped praise on the 28-year-old Bosnian - the only survivor from the ill-fated Paul Le Guen era.

Papac has been forced to adapt to a left-back role despite playing the bulk of his career as a central defender.

Smith has been so delighted with the application and commitment shown by the former Austria Vienna player that he urged the club's hierarchy to tie Papac down as he is currently into the final year of his existing deal.

"Sasa is in discussions with chief executive Martin Bain about an extension to his current contract," said Smith. "Hopefully it will be resolved in the next few days as there is a willingness with both parties to get something agreed.

"Sasa has been excellent, especially considering he isn't a left-back as such. He was a central defender who never played there, but because of our injury situation he went there and performed extremely well. In fact, he has grown into the position and he is now adding a bit of attacking flair to his defensive qualities."

Papac will miss this weekend's visit of Motherwell to Ibrox because of suspension and it is a problem for Smith.

It is expected that Christian Dailly will return to right-back after only featuring in the SPL opener against Falkirk so far this season, while Kirk Broadfoot will move to the opposite flank to take up Papac's role.

"Sasa is suspended for the Motherwell game and Steven Whittaker is injured so we have a problem at left-back." explained Smith. "Christian and Kirk can both play anywhere across the back four."

And Smith is also hoping to get some natural width into his side with the imminent return of Chris Burke to the team.

The winger has faced a five-month absence after undergoing surgery on his ankle, but featured in a reserve game against Aberdeen earlier this week.

Burke scored the only goal of the game and Smith is looking forward to having a fully fit winger available to him for selection over the next few weeks.

"He did well and managed to get a goal," he said. "It will be a couple of games before he is fully match fit, but there is no problem with the injury now. We will see Chris back among us shortly.

"He is an out and out winger and that is something we need. We had a situation recently where we were missing all our wider players because the lads who play in those positions were all injured.

"We are gradually getting them all back now."

Smith has also hinted that Spanish midfielder Aaron could also feature in the first team soon.

The Ibrox support have yet to get a look at the player who also played in the midweek reserve game and while his fitness levels are still lagging behind, Smith is confident he will make the top tier soon.

"Aaron started his pre-season training in Spain a lot later than we did. It isn't just match sharpness he needs, it is his general fitness.

"But he is catching up now and is starting to show the touches that will take him into the first-team here."