Bailey Rice has opened up on the injury issue which plagued him last season and prevented him from performing for Rangers.
The young midfielder was hampered last term with an unseen issue which forced him out of action with just one start to his name in the League Cup against Alloa Athletic.
It was a difficult campaign for the 19-year-old who revealed the extent of the problems he was dealing with after suffering a "pop" which became a significant injury.
But after signing a new contract at Ibrox for another year with an option of a further 12 months, Rice explained how handling the problem made him stronger. And he hopes to take that into the coming season.
“I was just training," he told RTV when asked about his injury. "I actually back heeled the ball and then I just felt a wee pop. It's something I've never felt before. Obviously, you go to get your scan on it and it came back as a major injury.
“It's not been plain sailing, my rehab, but I've kept my head down and I've worked really, really, really hard. Hopefully, it will be worth it for next season."
Signing an extension put an end to transfer speculation in Rice. The midfielder had been linked with Ajax and Schalke 04 before confirmation of his new contract was announced earlier this evening.
For the playmaker, the rumour mill never bothered him too much as he was focused on getting back to full fitness.
"It is hard, but I don't really look so much in the media," Rice added. "I've got people controlling that. I just tend to focus on what I'm doing on the training pitch, so I just keep my head down and see what happens."
