Wednesday 22 March 2017 15:12, UK
Rangers midfielder Niko Kranjcar is eyeing a return to full fitness in time for pre-season as he continues his recovery from his "nightmare" knee injury.
The Croatian, who ruptured a cruciate ligament in training in October, is doing fitness work on the grass at Auchenhowie as well as continuing his rehabilitation in the gym at the Rangers training complex.
The 32-year-old had previously admitted the severity of the injury had prompted thoughts of retirement but he is now fully focused on next season.
He told the Rangers website: "The recovery process has been a nightmare, this is definitely the worst injury I have ever had, the longest I had been out before was probably two months and this is between six and nine months.
"It is a long road and it is quite lonely. It has its ups and downs, the easiest thing to do is always to give up but once you do start doing your rehab I think there is always a voice in your head telling you to get through it.
"Obviously there are days when you watch a game of football and you're not involved so it is hard and you just wish you could play.
"I have great support at home from my missus and from my whole family and all my friends. I have been in football ages now and that helps."
The former Tottenham player, who signed a two-year deal at Ibrox last summer, added: "Touch wood, come May, hopefully I can join in with the lads and do a full session but the goal is to be fit for next season.
"You have to be patient with these injuries and I think it is really important to have it 100 per cent before I start doing any harder work."
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