Steven Davis has revealed his injury frustrations but insists he hopes to be back in action ‘sooner rather than later’.
The record-breaking 140-cap Northern Ireland captain is currently recovering from a cruciate knee ligament injury that saw him miss out on the second half of last season with Rangers.
The 38-year-old last played on December 15 last year and saw his contract expire with the light Blues in the summer.
However, he has been kept on to work towards full fitness, at which point manager Michael Beale has said a decision will be made on the player’s future.
Davis said: “I’m still a little bit away. It’s been a bit frustrating.
“Unfortunately us footballers aren’t the most patient people, but it’s an injury that needs a little bit of time.
“So, I’m just going through my rehab and hopefully will be back sooner rather than later.”
Davis returned to Rangers for a second permanent spell in July 2019 and now has over 350 appearances for the Govan giants from four separate stints.
As well as club action, injury has forced the former Fulham and Aston Villa midfielder to miss the return of Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill and the start of his country’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Davis added to the BBC: “I was really excited when he [O’Neill] got the job again and came back in.
“He’s been dealt a tough hand with the number of injuries we’ve had, certainly with some of the more experienced players, but it’s been great to see some of the younger players stepping up and showing their quality.
“There’s a lot to be optimistic about.”