FOOTBALL: End of Smith and groans

RANGERS defender Steven Smith feared his career was over when a Dutch specialist delivered the chilling verdict that he might not play again.

The left-back was still a teenager when he heard the words that every footballer dreads.

Smith walked about in a daze for several weeks as he contemplated a future without football.

But his life was transformed by a single injection that cured the pelvic problem that had brought his Ibrox career to a grinding halt.

Now the 20-year-old from Bellshill is poised to make his mark in the SPL after being handed a second chance.

Injuries have opened the door for Smith to grab his big chance and the youngster is determined to tie down a regular first-team slot after becoming an instant hit with the fans.

But it was all so very different a year ago when he was forced to seek expert medical advice concerning the pelvic injury that he first became aware of as a 16-year-old.

Smith said: "I went to see a specialist who told me that I might not be able to play again.

"He even asked me if I had any career to fall back on and the enormity of my situation suddenly struck me.

"That thought had been at the back of my mind, but it wasn't until he said the words that it really hit home.

"He told me that the only hope of a cure was to do nothing for a whole year.

"I wasn't to train or go near the gym. Rest would be the only possible answer.

"Even then, he said, there were no guarantees. I didn't know what to think because I had no job to fall back on.

"I went through a terrible few weeks wondering and worrying about what the future held for me. But then I saw a second specialist and he gave me an injection and I was back training within four or five days and I haven't lost a day since.

"It stuck me as a crazy difference of opinions, but I was also given an injection way back when I was 16 or 17 and was out for at least six months then.

"I think it was caused by playing too many games as a kid. But I have missed the best part of a couple of years in total as a result of the injury.

"I haven't heard from the first specialist since, but the Rangers medical staff have been great with me."

Smith's tale illustrates that Marvin Andrews, who has continued playing after being diagnosed with cruciate damage, isn't the only "miracle man" at Rangers now.

But Smith also admits that he has had to work twice as hard to earn his crack at the big time.

Having been drafted in during a recent injury crisis, he is determined to extend his run way beyond the two first-team starts he made last season, against Inverness Caley and Kilmarnock. He said: "I'm playing to keep my place this time. The left-back shirt's been up for grabs since Arthur Numan left and because of the Michael Ball situation.

"Hopefully, I've done enough to keep my spot. To be honest, when I got my chance last season I probably wasn't ready for an extended run in the first team. This season I feel a lot stronger and capable of sustaining that run.

"A lot was expected of me last season and people thought I'd simply progress from there. But another year in the reserves has made me a better player.

"I now know the levels and standards required. Compared to the reserves, first-team football is a lot quicker."

Smith has also learned quickly of the demands associated with being a Rangers player.

He said: "Drawing at Dunfermline last week felt like a defeat when they equalised so late on and the press reacted to the result the way they did.

"That came as a shock to me because we had been unbeaten in December. But it also made me realise the pressures associated with being a Rangers player and the huge expectations and demands on the team every week."

Smith also lavished praise on Dutchman Numan for his help and guidance.

Rangers' latest kid for fame said: "Arthur has been a great help to me - and John Greig as well.

"They have given me sound advice and shown me a lot.

"Arthur chatted with me just before Christmas and probably the best piece of advice he offered was to try to blank out the crowd as if I was still playing for the reserves and to play the same way without beiing affected.

"Mind you, it's a lot easier said than done. But that's just something you need to be able to deal with at this level."

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