Source: Team_Talk
I can fill Boyd's boots, vows Velicka
Andrius Velicka has urged Rangers boss Walter Smith to give him a chance to prove he can score just as many goals as Kris Boyd next season.[LNB] Forgotten man Velicka has finally recovered from freak cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered minutes into his debut while on loan at Bristol City last August and is set to take part in pre-season training at Ibrox.[LNB]Manager Smith has made signing a striker his top priority this summer, with Nacho Novo having left for Sporting Gijon and the prolific Boyd having rejected a deal to stay in Glasgow.[LNB]Velicka's days as a Rangers player looked numbered when he went to Ashton Gate on a season-long loan - but the Lithuanian believes he can revive his Ibrox career next term.[LNB]He said in the News of the World: "Two seasons ago, I had a couple of good games, but I need to prove to everyone, especially myself, that I can play at a high level for Rangers.[LNB]"I'm hoping I get the chance to play some games in the Champions League this season. I hope my best form is in the future.[LNB]"If Boyd goes, hopefully I can score as many goals as him.[LNB]"We need to wait. The doc said to me last week that it will take time for me to build my fitness and my form. You can't come back to the game just like that. I've been out for a year and I need games."[LNB]Former Hearts striker Velicka, who joined Rangers from Viking Stavanger for £1million two years ago, needed two knee operations following his injury.[LNB]"I hope I can be like a new signing for the club," he added.[LNB]"The supporters were very good to me. All the fans I spoke to said they were waiting and hoping I would be back soon to help the team.[LNB]"I was surprised by that because I thought they would forget me!"
