Webster relishing chance to play a central role in Rangers defence

Andy Webster can finally see light at the end of the tunnel in his Rangers career after taking a central role during the club's pre-season preparations.

The 28-year-old central defender has only made one competitive appearance for Rangers since his arrival, initially on loan from Wigan Athletic, in January 2007. Suffering a knee injury in his first training session set the tone for the following years, with the only bright spot a goalscoring debut against Gretna in September 2007.

A loan spell at Bristol City failed to kick-start his Ibrox career as he struggled to establish himself in manager Walter Smith's plans after recovering from a string of injuries. However his fortunes were rejuvenated in glorious fashion last season as another loan spell, this time at Dundee United, helped him return to the Scotland fold and win a Scottish Cup winner's medal.

The former Hearts defender has started all three pre-season matches Rangers have played so far to give him encouragement that his Ibrox career is finally lifting off.

"Having done all of the hard work in pre-season, it has been nice to be involved when the games have come around," Webster said. "I hope this is me getting there now. Everything that has gone on before is in the past and I'm looking forwards and making sure I'm ready for the start of the campaign.

"At this stage, it's all about getting a level of fitness and with the squad we've got, a lot of the boys have played in the majority of the games so far.

"The more you play and the more involved you become, the more comfortable you then get with your surroundings and I'm happy to be in the side at the moment."

Webster has lined up alongside David Weir in central defence, with Madjid Bougherra moved out to right-back when Rangers beat Blackburn Rovers in their first Sydney Festival of Football game on Sunday. The Algeria defender sat out of Wednesday's rain-lashed goalless draw against hosts Sydney FC with a minor knock, but he will return as Rangers face AEK Athens in their final game today.

Striker Kenny Miller will also feature despite continuing to suffer pain from shin splints. Smith said: "Madjid will be okay. He took a kick on the calf, but he has recovered from that and he will play against AEK.

"Kenny has the shin splints issue which is painful, but it will only become a worry to us if it becomes chronic, which will mean he will have to miss games. However, just now if he gets a couple of days' rest in between matches then he is okay. It doesn't seem to be painful when he is playing - it's after the game that he feels it. We will give him a bit of a rest when we go home and that should clear things up."

As for the tournament, Rangers sit second in the table but they have little chance of overhauling AEK Athens.

The Greek side beat Blackburn 2-1 to move to 13 points, seven ahead of Rangers.With each goal worth a point, Smith's men would need to beat AEK by five goals to overtake them.