Rangers striker keen to show injuries are in past
Rangers striker James Beattie says he is ready to prove he has fully recovered from the injury problems which have plagued him since his summer move to the Scottish Premier League champions.
The 32-year-old — who moved to Ibrox from English Premier League side Stoke City — made an appearance from the bench in Rangers' 1-0 UEFA Champions League defeat to Manchester United at home on Wednesday 24 November.
Even though it was little more than a cameo, Beattie was delighted to get back on to the pitch after struggling with a muscle tear over the last few weeks with Walter Smith's men.
He told reporters: "I was surprised to be told I would be on the subs' bench against United. I've only been back in training this week after suffering a tear on my thigh. Unfortunately, I've been forced to miss important games and I'm desperate to get back
into the team as we have big fixtures coming up.
"It felt good just to be involved against United. I was eager to get on but the gaffer got his tactics spot on again and it was touch and go until Wayne Rooney hit home that late penalty. I got on but we simply ran out of time. However, we can take a lot
from the two games against Champions League veterans. Fingers crossed I can stay injury free and force my way into the gaffer's plans.”
Beattie's next chance to stake a claim for a regular place in the first team will come when Rangers travel to Tannadice to take on Dundee United in the SPL on Sunday 28 November.
The former England international attacker has featured in just six games for Rangers since his summer move and is yet to find the back of the net.
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