Walter Smith: Webster Ready To Kickstart Career

Jan 20 2008 By Gavin Berry

RANGERS boss Walter Smith hopes Andy Webster is ready to end two years of hell by kickstarting his Ibrox career.

The on-loan Wigan defender has endured a horrendous time at Rangers with injuries, bad luck and the dark cloud of a contract dispute hanging over him.

Webster is caught in the middle of a dispute between former club Hearts and Wigan which FIFA are still trying to resolve.

He made transfer history by exploiting a loophole that meant he could cancel his Tynecastle contract in the final year of a four-year deal and move to England.

But when he came to Ibrox on loan last year the Jambos challenged the switch.

That resulted in a two-match FIFA ban and the player had to pay Hearts £625,000 for breaking his contract "without just cause".

Since then Webster's Gers career has been ruined by a series of injuries - the latest when he crocked his knee in a bounce game against Ayr earlier this season. But he is set for a reserves run-out tomorrow alongside fellow long-term crock Stevie Smith and hopes to return for the title run-in.

However, FIFA still have to decide what compensation Wigan must pay Hearts and that could determine his long-term future.

Boss Smith (far left) said: "Hopefully this is the end of Andy's injuries. I also hope we will see the end of his contractual situation.

"It has been nearly two years out for Andy. When he went into dispute with Hearts it was before the semi-final of the Scottish Cup at the end of March 2006.

"Since then he has played just four times for Wigan and once for us.

"It must be frustrating for him. Andy's here to play football and is surrounded by lads who are playing all the time.

"It's difficult to lift him but Andy has kept himself going. Everyone is just keeping their fingers crossed he can stay injury-free.

"Andy has a lot of experience. He's only 25 but has a number of caps gained at a young age. He has shown a good mentality and that will have helped him."

Another player who hasn't had much luck is left-back Smith but he finally looks to be over a recurring groin problem.

And the only reason he hasn't already made a playing comeback beside Webster is the recent dreadful weather. Manager Smith said: "Both lads are physically fit but need to get match fit.

"It will be like getting a couple of new players when they reach that level. The weather has been the difficult thing but we've arranged a game for Monday.

"It will allow them to start comebacks.

Both have been training well and just need games. Stevie hasn't even played since I came back here."

Despite missing Webster and Smith, the Gers defence has tightened up this season after leaking goals under Paul Le Guen. And the gaffer paid tribute to Davie Weir and Carlos Cuellar for making the team solid.

He said: "It's a testament to Davie he has played in so many games at 37.

"He hasn't mentioned anything other than the fact he has felt ready to play.

"Carlos had to cope with coming here from Spain. But he has adapted to the football and lifestyle as well as anybody I've worked with.

"He has formed a good partnership with Davie and that speaks volumes for them."