Naismith’s season over after second major knee injury

Steven Naismith’s season is over after he was told he faces around nine months on the sidelines with anterior cruciate ligament damage to his right knee sustained in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Aberdeen.

The 25-year-old suffered a similar injury to his other knee in 2008 and was out for eight months on that occasion.

The midfielder had been in scintillating form with nine goals for the Scottish champions this term. Team-mate Steven Whittaker admits Naismith’s absence will be a major blow. He said: “We’re all devastated for him. It’s a big disappointment for the team and for him because he has been fantastic. Already this season he has scored umpteen goals so there’s no doubt we are going to miss him.

“His hand went straight in the air as he crumpled to the ground and it was pretty clear then that it looked like it would be serious. You never know until you get the scan done but we thought it would be serious and it has turned out that way.

“He’s a determined character though and we all know what he’s like at this club. He has a great personality and hopefully he’ll be back to his best sooner rather than later.

“It’s never nice getting one of these serious knee injuries but in the modern game a lot of players are coming back from these types of injuries whereas in the past it might have been career threatening. He’s been there before so he knows what to expect and I’m sure he’ll be back stronger than ever.”

Naismith appeared to twist his knee while challenging Rob Milsom during Saturday’s clash. He attempted to play on but collapsed to the turf moments later.

A statement from Rangers confirmed: “Steven will be seen by the same surgeon who successfully treated him in 2008 and his rehabilitation programme will be eight to nine months.”

Manager Ally McCoist hopes previous experience of the injury will help Naismith’s recovery this time. He said: “This is devastating news for Steven and our thoughts are with him. He was in the form of his life and it is a huge blow for him and the club he is out for the rest of the season. He will get the best treatment possible in the weeks and months ahead and everyone at Rangers will support him during his rehabilitation period. Naisy has recovered from a serious knee injury before and he will come back again.

“He is a fighter and a popular member of the squad and we will all work hard to win games for him while he is out.”