Kirk Broadfoot fit and ready for Rangers

The Rangers defender has not featured in a competitive match since the Champions League clash with Manchester United last November because of a foot injury.

But Broadfoot, 26, says he is more than ready for the new campaign, which gets under way for Rangers with the visit of Hearts on Saturday.

He said: "Pre-season has been short so I came back four or five weeks early to make sure I was ready to go. I've been unlucky with injuries over the last three seasons so hopefully this year I can get over that and move on.

"I love playing football and missing games frustrates the life out of me.

"It is part and parcel of being a footballer and you just have to be strong, deal with it, and get on with it."

While Broadfoot is ready, Kyle Lafferty could be set to miss the first month of the season after being told he needs surgery.

The striker's hernia problem resulted in his early return from the club's pre-season training camp in Germany last week.

Manager Ally McCoist said: "Kyle is going for an operation for a hernia problem which will keep him out for three to four weeks.

"He will have the surgery next Tuesday down south and we hope everything goes well."

Sasa Papac has not travelled with the rest of the squad for tonight's friendly in Blackpool because of a hamstring problem but should be fit for the weekend.

Madjid Bougherra is back after a hamstring injury and Maurice Edu is also set to feature after rejoining the squad at the weekend, following his involvement with the United States national team in the Gold Cup.