It's been a dark year for Filip Helander as the Rangers defender’s never-ending injury woes left him cast as the forgotten man of Ibrox. However, an escape from the shadows could soon be in sight as the giant Swede eyes up the final stages of his gruelling rehab journey.
And former Gers star Joachim Bjorklund reckons the appointment of Michael Beale might just be the light at the end of the tunnel his fellow countryman needs to make the final push. The giant centre-back, who is tipped to return early next year, has featured just six times for the Light Blues since Beale’s departure from Govan 12 months ago as he followed Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa.
The form of Connor Goldson and Calvin Bassey meant that when the 29-year-old was largely left on the bench on the few occasions he was fit during Gio van Bronckhorst’s tenure in the Ibrox hot seat. It’s a far cry from the role the former Malmo, Verona and Bologna stopper held during Gerrard and Beale’s last full season in charge, when he formed part of a rock-solid backline that was breached just 13 times - a UK league record - as they stormed undefeated to Premiership glory.
