Naismith pleased with run-out

12 August 2011 07:45
Steven Naismith believes Scotland's midweek friendly against Denmark can only help boost his performances for Rangers.[LNB] The Ibrox midfielder was given 74 minutes at Hampden on Wednesday night as the Scots ran out 2-1 winners against the Danes.[LNB]Naismith says he is grateful for as much game-time as possible as he bids to improve his match sharpness with Rangers facing so many important games.[LNB]As well as the defence of their Clydesdale Bank Premier League title, the Scottish champions face a Europa League qualifier against Maribor next week after crashing out of Champions League qualifying to Malmo.[LNB]Naismith said: "It does help. The more games you get early on, it definitely does help players who are playing in Scotland.[LNB]"It was a quick pre-season and a quick start to the season and, at the moment, what everybody needs is match time.[LNB]"It's another 70-odd minutes that I got in the Scotland game so I'm definitely happy."[LNB]Naismith has been on impressive form so far, netting twice already in the SPL ahead of Saturday's early kick-off at Inverness.[LNB]He added: "I've been happy with my form and happy with scoring a couple of goals. I could maybe have had a few more but getting into the positions is the main thing.[LNB]"At the start of the season you are still not as sharp as you could be but hopefully if I keep getting into the positions I will score more times than I miss."[LNB]Meanwhile, Rangers have moved to ease fears over the health of Sasa Papac by confirming the player does not have pneumonia.[LNB]While the Scottish champions said the Bosnia and Herzegovina international did take unwell while on international duty and was forced to pull out of the match, it seems reports of the exact nature of the illness were wide of the mark.[LNB]A statement on the club's official website read: "Sasa Papac will miss Saturday's trip to Inverness but Rangers are keen to point out that he does not have pneumonia.[LNB]"Papac travelled to Bosnia earlier this week with the intention of ending his international exile but felt unwell and was immediately ruled out of the game with Greece.[LNB]"He will return to Murray Park where he will be assessed by the medical team who have confirmed that he does not have pneumonia, contrary to reports elsewhere."[LNB]Rangers are boosted ahead of the trip to the Highlands by the news that Nikica Jelavic is expected to recover from a knee knock he picked up in last week's friendly against Chelsea.[LNB]New signing Dorin Goian could also feature against Caley Thistle if he shakes off a hamstring problem in time but skipper David Weir is likely to remain sidelined with a similar injury.[LNB]Rangers have yet to decide whether Steven Whittaker can play with a broken toe, which forced him to withdraw from the Scotland squad for the win over Denmark.

Source: Team_Talk