RANGERS manager Walter Smith was handed a pre-season boost with the news that goalkeeper Allan McGregor is set to resume full training after recovering successfully from ankle and knee injuries.
The Scotland keeper has been out since April when he had to limp off during an Old Firm meeting with Celtic.
McGregor was replaced by Neil Alexander who played the last half-dozen matches of the season, including the UEFA Cup and Scottish Cup finals.
Although it was his ankle injury that sidelined McGregor the opportunity was taken to operate on a knee problem.
The 26-year-old - who signed a new five-year deal with the club a week ago - could make a playing comeback during the club's tour of Holland and Germany later this month.
With the home Champions League qualifier against Santa Coloma or Kaunas still almost four weeks away, Smith is pleased that McGregor seems certain to be on his way back to full fitness in time for the crucial start to the season.
"Allan has been given permission to step up his training a little bit more now," the Ibrox boss told Rangers World.
"I would hope that within the next week, he will be back in among the rest of the players on a full-time basis.
"We will give him plenty of time to make sure he is right and I'm sure he'll be ready to resume playing when we go over to Holland and Germany.
"With a week of games and training over there, I think Allan will be ready to come back in at some point.
"In this case, he'll be able to spend a lot of next week gaining a level of fitness before we are back into matches again."
Smith, meanwhile, remains hopeful he can strike a deal with Fulham for midfielder Steven Davis.
The Northern Ireland international spent the second half of last term on loan at Ibrox and the former Scotland boss is keen to recruit the 23-year-old permanently.
Smith added: "Talks with Fulham about Steven are ongoing.
"That is something we have been doing and will continue to do over the next few days.
"We're always looking around and there are one or two positions where I would hope to strengthen.
"The squad has improved with the players we have brought in so far and hopefully that stands us in good stead.
"With regards to our strikers, it is obvious to suggest people might move on when you sign a few first but we want good competition in the team.
"We could afford to lose a few players but if we do that, our overall squad won't be affected too greatly."
McGregor was replaced by Neil Alexander who played the last half-dozen matches of the season, including the UEFA Cup and Scottish Cup finals.
Although it was his ankle injury that sidelined McGregor the opportunity was taken to operate on a knee problem.
The 26-year-old - who signed a new five-year deal with the club a week ago - could make a playing comeback during the club's tour of Holland and Germany later this month.
With the home Champions League qualifier against Santa Coloma or Kaunas still almost four weeks away, Smith is pleased that McGregor seems certain to be on his way back to full fitness in time for the crucial start to the season.
"Allan has been given permission to step up his training a little bit more now," the Ibrox boss told Rangers World.
"I would hope that within the next week, he will be back in among the rest of the players on a full-time basis.
"We will give him plenty of time to make sure he is right and I'm sure he'll be ready to resume playing when we go over to Holland and Germany.
"With a week of games and training over there, I think Allan will be ready to come back in at some point.
"In this case, he'll be able to spend a lot of next week gaining a level of fitness before we are back into matches again."
Smith, meanwhile, remains hopeful he can strike a deal with Fulham for midfielder Steven Davis.
The Northern Ireland international spent the second half of last term on loan at Ibrox and the former Scotland boss is keen to recruit the 23-year-old permanently.
Smith added: "Talks with Fulham about Steven are ongoing.
"That is something we have been doing and will continue to do over the next few days.
"We're always looking around and there are one or two positions where I would hope to strengthen.
"The squad has improved with the players we have brought in so far and hopefully that stands us in good stead.
"With regards to our strikers, it is obvious to suggest people might move on when you sign a few first but we want good competition in the team.
"We could afford to lose a few players but if we do that, our overall squad won't be affected too greatly."
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