Andy Webster can finally see light at the end of the tunnel in his Rangers career after taking a central role during the club's pre-season preparations.
The 28-year-old has only made one competitive appearance for Rangers since his arrival, initially on loan from Wigan, in January 2007 due to injury. A loan spell at Bristol City failed to kick-start his Ibrox career as he struggled to establish himself in Walter Smith's plans after recovering from a string of injuries. But his fortunes were rejuvenated in glorious fashion last season as a loan spell at Dundee United helped him return to the Scotland fold and win a Scottish Cup winner's medal.
The former Hearts defender has started all three pre-season matches Rangers have played so far to give him encouragement that his Ibrox career is finally lifting off. "Having done all of the hard work in pre-season, it has been nice to be involved when the games have come around," Webster told www.rangersfc.co.uk.
"I hope this is me finally getting there now. Everything that has gone on before is in the past and I'm looking forwards and making sure I'm ready for the start of the campaign.
"At this stage, it's all about getting a level of fitness and with the squad we've got, a lot of the boys have played in the majority of the games so far.
"The more you play and the more involved you become, the more comfortable you then get with your surroundings and I'm happy to be in the side at the moment."
Webster has lined up alongside David Weir in central defence, with Madjid Bougherra moved out to right-back when Rangers beat Blackburn in their first Sydney Festival of Football game on Sunday.
The Algeria defender sat out Wednesday's rain-lashed goalless draw against the hosts with a minor knock but he will return as Rangers face AEK Athens in their final game tomorrow.
Kenny Miller will also feature despite continuing to suffer pain from shin splints.
Smith said: "Madjid will be okay. He took a kick on the calf but he has recovered from that and he will play against AEK."
Source: PA
