Derek McInnes is expected to manage Rangers for the first time at Dundee United on Friday, despite a four-match ban imposed for comments made as Hearts boss.

Rangers are appealing the ban, which stems from McInnes calling a late penalty awarded to Celtic against Motherwell "disgusting" last May. The club believes his comments were directed at the decision itself, not an attack on match officials' competence or integrity.

Rangers state that similar language has been used previously with less severe consequences, questioning consistency in the application of rules. The appeal is expected to be lodged by Wednesday, allowing McInnes to be in the dugout until a hearing. He previously expressed disappointment with the verdict, feeling the punishment did not fit the offense.