Smith still a long way off

Smith: Unsure

Just knowing that you are going to play for this great club again is a light at the end of the tunnel because that is something that I have worked so hard all my life for.

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Rangers full-back Steven Smith has admitted he is still some way from making his long-awaited comeback from injury.

Smith has been suffering with a chronic pelvic problem for 10 months and he has not played for The Gers since the 1-1 draw with Celtic last December.

Rangers manager Walter Smith recently hinted that the 22-year-old was inching closer to returning to training.

However, the player himself is not as optimistic, insisting he is still "far, far away" from being back at 100 per cent fitness.

Smith also denied suggestions he fears he may have to retire, but the talented stopper does not know when he will be able to resume his career.

Determined

"I am still far, far away from being fully fit and I still have a couple of specialists to see and roads to go down before I can say I am back," he said. "There is still a bit to go yet.

"But anybody who has met me will know that I will never think that my career could be over. I will always be positive and have the hunger and desire to return to the team.

"Just knowing that you are going to play for this great club again is a light at the end of the tunnel because that is something that I have worked so hard all my life for.

"There is no injury that is going to stop me getting back playing for Rangers. It is just a matter of how long it will take, that is the hardest aspect for me.

"I know that I will play again soon but the pelvic injury has been a major problem for a long time now and it has also affected the surrounding areas.

"I have had a lot of trouble with it so I need to be 100 per cent fit before I think about a return."