Source: Team_Talk
Naismith keen to make his mark
Expectations were high when he swapped Kilmarnock for Ibrox back in 2007 but hopes of establishing himself in Walter Smith's plans were shattered when he suffered a serious knee injury in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
However, the 22-year-old appears to have put his injury woes firmly in the past after enjoying an impressive start to the current campaign for both club and country.
He earned rave reviews for his performance in the World Cup qualifier against Holland when he made his first start for Scotland earlier this month.
And Naismith has added a competent Champions League outing against Stuttgart on Wednesday night to his list of displays for Rangers so far this term.
He said: "I've had a hard time since my move here with injuries but being back and involved, that's what the move was all about in the first place, getting that opportunity.
"Now, thankfully, I'm getting the chance. It's a massive season for me personally, just to get back on track and carry on from the potential I showed at Kilmarnock before.
"It's the first full season where I've been involved in everything and I'm happy with the way it's taken off.
"Last season was pretty poor for me but this season I feel much fresher, the best I've ever felt, and it can only stand me in good stead."
Rangers now hope to build on the second half performance against Stuttgart when they travel to Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premier League on Saturday.
The Scottish champions initially appeared overawed by the Germans, who took an early lead through Pavel Pogrebniak and who could have scored more.
But a far more assured Rangers emerged after half-time and earned an away point thanks to a great strike from Madjid Bougherra.
"The biggest problem for us maybe at the start was the belief," admitted Naismith.
"We maybe went out there waiting for something to happen instead of doing it. I think in the second half performance we had the belief and we were unlucky not take more from the game than we did.
"We were all massively disappointed with last weekend's draw at Motherwell but, after the Stuttgart result, the confidence is definitely in us."
Naismith is now relishing the return to former club Kilmarnock but insists any friendships will be put to one side until after the final whistle.
He said: "I still know a lot of folk at the club and a few of the boys are still at Kilmarnock.
"I'm sure I'll have a few texts from them over the course of the day. I've played twice against them since my move so it's becoming a bit more normal than the last couple of occasions.
"I'm sure there are a few folk I'll talk to after the game but we have a job to do and we are going down there for the points."
