Timely boost for Ibrox side as Steven Naismith is fit for PSV

Naismith, a key performer for the Ibrox club earlier in the season, has been sidelined since 20 February when he limped off at half-time in the 3-0 Scottish Premier League defeat to Celtic at Parkhead.

But the Scotland internationalist insists that he has now fully recovered from the hamstring problem. Speaking yesterday to RangersTV, the player said: "I have had a wee niggle and wanted to come through it without missing too much.

"It ended up getting too sore and I had to give it a bit of rest. I did that and for the past week I have been outside training with the physios and have still been doing a lot of fitness work.

"On Monday I then rejoined the squad so I will definitely be ready for our European game."

Rangers go into tomorrow night's Europa League last-16 second-leg clash against PSV knowing they need to score following a 0-0 first leg in the Netherlands, while Sunday's League Cup final gives them an opportunity to pick up their first silverware of the season.

Naismith admits that missing recent games has been frustrating and is looking forward to sampling another big European night at Ibrox tomorrow evening. He continued: "Being involved in the Europa League is one of the highest levels you can play at and it's tough when you miss those games through injury. I am just glad to be back involved and if I am on the bench I will be grateful, if I start I will be delighted."

It was announced yesterday, meanwhile, that Rangers will face Stirling Albion in a pre-season friendly. The teams will meet at Forthbank, likely to be in July, in a testimonial match for ex-Albion chairman Peter McKenzie.