Snipers Wrong To Kill Me Off

Feb 3 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

STEVEN SMITH has hit back at the doubters who claimed his football career was over.

The Ibrox full-back has endured a 14-month spell on the sidelines with pelvic, groin and hernia problems.

But he is finally ready to return to Walter Smith's side and hopes to be available for selection in three weeks.

During his rehab reports claimed Smith would never play for the club again and would have to quit the game. But the 22-year-old last night said: "I heard people say I wouldn't play again and that was hard.

"I'm lucky I've had a strong medical team behind me at Murray Park and a good family to keep me going.

"People who said my career was over don't know what they're talking about or what goes on behind the scenes. It was difficult to understand where they were coming from with statements like that but it spurred me on a bit.

"It made me determined to prove them wrong and get back playing. There was no doubt in my mind I would return.

"But because I'm a Rangers first-team player people were questioning it. The Ibrox medics were always positive I'd be back - itwas just a question of how long."