Velicka biding his time

13 July 2010 19:01

Andrius Velicka admits he needs time to fully recover from injury before he can make an impact at Rangers.

The Lithuanian striker is hoping to resurrect his career after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury while on loan at Bristol City last August. He has been able to rejoin the rest of the Ibrox squad in full training sessions but says he is not ready to play again just yet.

The 31-year-old told RangersTV.tv: "It is nice to be back in amongst the boys but at this stage I am still not fit enough to play. I am not ready for that."

He added: "Even so, it's really good just to be training with the team again because I was out for so long with my injury.

"It's the type of problem which takes time to heal and you have to work very slowly and carefully when you are recovering.

"I don't know if I'll be able to play in our pre-season matches or not because I still need more time to get back to my best.

"I only had my first full session last week and from that point of view, it is important not to rush things but I feel much better now than I did even just two months ago."

Rangers team-mates Steven Naismith and Kevin Thomson have both suffered similar injuries in recent years and are now fully fit and regular first team players.

Velicka added: "Kevin and Steven have had the same injuries and they give me hope I can get fit again because they have done it but it took them time to do it.

"I watched Thommo working hard last summer and it was a long process so I know it's the same for me as I try to get back into the Rangers team and I need time."

Source: PA