Velicka set for Gers training return

27 May 2010 12:17
Rangers have confirmed forgotten man Andrius Velicka is expected to return to pre-season training at Murray Park after almost a year out.[LNB] The Lithuanian striker endured a nightmare debut a day after joining Bristol City on loan in August, lasting just 11 minutes before being carried off with cruciate ligament damage.[LNB]The 31-year-old's Ibrox career appeared to be in the balance when he was sent to Ashton Gate for a year last summer.[LNB]It remains to be seen whether Rangers will nurse him back to match fitness simply to sell him or if he has a genuine future with the Scottish champions.[LNB]The club's financial problems and the possible sale of star striker Kris Boyd may open the door for the former Hearts star, who struggled to make himself a permanent feature at Ibrox after signing from Viking FK for £1million almost two years ago.[LNB]Velicka's last outing for the Light Blues was as a substitute in August's pre-season defeat at Portsmouth.[LNB]He also made appearances from the bench on the summer tour of Germany against FC Nurnberg and SC Wiedenbruck, scoring against the latter.[LNB]He had enjoyed a fine end to the previous season, netting crucial goals in four consecutive games and helping Rangers win the SPL, their first Scottish title for four years.[LNB]He jetted back to his homeland on holiday this morning, having spent months working on his recovery.

Source: Team_Talk