Rangers have been handed a potential boost ahead of Saturday's Ibrox clash with Kilmarnock after Neil McCann's side confirmed that Dave Richards' proposed move to the club has fallen through.
Kilmarnock announced on Thursday that former Dundee Untied keeper Richards' transfer could not be completed after the English FA refused to grant international clearance because of an administrative error relating to his previous registration at Kidderminster Harriers.
The Ayrshire club had initially announced the goalkeeper's arrival, but that move was subject to the necessary clearance being granted.
That has now failed to materialise, leaving Kilmarnock unable to complete his registration.
Kilmarnock comment on goalie issue
A club statement read: “Kilmarnock Football Club regrets to confirm that Dave Richards’ proposed move to the club has been unable to proceed.
“Following our announcement, which was subject to international clearance, the English FA has refused this due to an administrative error related to Dave’s previous registration.
“Subsequently, the club has been unable to complete his registration.
“We share Dave’s bitter disappointment about this news and thank him for his professionalism throughout. Everyone at Kilmarnock wishes him well for the future.”
The development comes at a difficult time for Kilmarnock, with first-choice stopper Max Stryjek also injured.
Calum Ferrie's Ibrox history
It means that ex-Queen’s Park goalie Calum Ferrie is now the only first-team goalkeeper available to McCann ahead of the trip to Ibrox.
That could leave Kilmarnock facing a significant selection headache against Derek McInnes' Rangers, particularly given the pressure that comes with travelling to face the Gers in front of a packed Ibrox.
Rangers will be looking to make the most of home advantage when the sides meet on Saturday, with McInnes' side returning to action following the international break.
The situation could therefore become an added story in Saturday's meeting, with Rangers presented with an opportunity to test a Kilmarnock side dealing with an unexpected problem just days before the Ibrox clash.
McCann will now have to manage the situation with his goalkeeper options significantly reduced, while Rangers will be hoping to exploit any weakness as they look to return from the international break with another important result.
Ferrie, however, does have a history of success at Ibrox. He was the Spiders’ keeper when they knocked Phillipe Clement’s Gers out of the Scottish Cup in 2025.
He saved a last-minute James Tavernier penalty after numerous other stops as Seb Drodz scored the only goal of the game as the Championship side completed a monumental cup shock in Govan.
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