Source: Team_Talk
Thomson has double reason to celebrate
Rangers' Kevin Thomson was delighted to finally play a full part in the club's title celebrations after missing out last season through injury.[LNB] And he is just as keen to throw himself into pre-season training after being eased back last summer following his recovery from a serious knee injury.[LNB]Thomson felt something of an outsider during the previous season's championship party after suffering cruciate ligament damage in October 2008.[LNB]So he fully appreciated his run-out during Sunday's 3-3 draw against Motherwell, after which Rangers received the Clydesdale Bank Premier League trophy.[LNB]Lee McCulloch had to sit out the match through suspension and Thomson knew only too well how his midfield partner would feel.[LNB]"It has been amazing," the 25-year-old said after launching a plaque for the blind at Ibrox to mark the bicentenary of Louis Braille.[LNB]"I look at big Jig (McCulloch) on Sunday, he has played almost every game and been an important part of the team.[LNB]"But, I bet if you asked him, his celebrations weren't quite as jumpy as some of the other boys.[LNB]"It's important for a player to finish the season and be involved. In cup finals you want to be on the park, you want to be playing.[LNB]"It was absolutely fantastic to be there on Sunday - walking around the stadium in front of 50,000 after the game was enough to give you goose bumps."[LNB]Thomson has been satisfied with his comeback following his second cruciate ligament injury, but he feels he will have more to offer following a complete pre-season.[LNB]The former Hibernian captain had his own programme last year as he gradually returned to action.[LNB]"In patches I felt I proved that I'm a good player," Thomson said. "I had a wee bit of a stop-start season.[LNB]"The first season back after injury I clocked up 35 games or so, five or six of them were in the Champions League.[LNB]"At a club like this there is no resting period, there are no wee games. You are thrown in at the deep end.[LNB]"My first start when I came back from injury was over in Stuttgart in the Champions League.[LNB]"Things like that, I realise, when other people maybe don't realise.[LNB]"But I've been happy with my form, I think I've got better as the season went on. I look forward to coming back in pre-season and working hard and trying to sustain that form."[LNB]Thomson spoke about adding to his two Scotland caps after injury halted his international career.[LNB]And he is keen to continue his Ibrox career for years to come despite reports linking Middlesbrough with an interest in the central midfielder.[LNB]"It's part and parcel of being a football player, speculation," Thomson said.[LNB]"Everyone knows the situation around the club. I said a few weeks back that I would be happy to sign a new contract and this is where I want to play my football.[LNB]"I don't want to keep crossing that bridge when there is speculation after speculation.[LNB]"I'm happy here and I look forward to hopefully extending my stay and being here for many years. Moving is not something that has crossed my mind."[LNB]Thomson has had no initial talks over a contract extension given the uncertainty surrounding the ownership of the club, who have debts of around £31million.[LNB]With six of the first-team squad out of contract, including Kris Boyd and Nacho Novo, Thomson is happy to wait his turn.[LNB]"It's a wee bit on the backburner. There are other boys who are in front of me in the pecking order, there are boys who are out of contract this summer," he said.[LNB]"So I think it would be selfish to push in. I've still got a year left.[LNB]"In my opinion, it would be a nicer touch if other boys who are out of contract are looked after before me."[LNB]
