Defender Steven Smith is relishing having a second chance to resurrect his Rangers career.
Defender eager to pip arch-rivals to SPL title
Steven Smith is relishing having a second chance to resurrect his Rangers career after seeing his time decimated by injury.
Since featuring in the Old Firm clash against Celtic in December 2006, the 23-year-old had only made two appearances for Gers against lower league opposition prior to his return to the first team a month ago.
A lengthy injury and suspension list means the defender has been thrust into the limelight of late, an opportunity he was not going to waste.
Smith is now in line for another Old Firm meeting with their arch-rivals this weekend and he can barely believe he has been given a second chance to launch his Ibrox career.
Second chance
"Maybe five or six weeks ago I never thought I was going to get a chance of playing again," he told the club's
official website.
"With these massive matches coming up, everyone wants to be involved. I think I've given myself a chance with the way I've played."
Celtic currently hold a one-point advantage at the top of the table and Smith believes Gers can take heart that they are in with a great chance of usurping their rivals late in the season.
Really excited
"I'm obviously really excited. When I last played, Celtic were so far in front I don't think there was a realistic chance of winning the league," he continued.
"This one is different, we are right on their tails so it's going to be a massive occasion.
"I think when you grow up being a Rangers fan and playing for Rangers, the biggest games are always Old Firm games and they're the ones you look forward to.
"I think this one coming up has an extra bit of bite to it because it's obviously going to be a massive game in deciding where the title is going to go, so it's one we're all looking forward to."
