Crocked Niko set for April return...

NIKO KRANJCAR’S doctor has revealed he expects the Croatian playmaker to be back playing for Rangers by April.

The 32-year-old ex-Spurs star was beginning to make his mark at Ibrox when he was struck down by a knee injury in October that was expected to rule him out for the whole campaign.

However, the former Portsmouth and QPR ace has made unexpectedly rapid progress after the operation and returned to light training last week.

The departure of manager Mark Warburton will come as a disappointment to Kranjcar, who was persuaded to move to Glasgow by the Englishman.

But he’s now on track to make a full recovery soon and be back playing long before the end of the season, according to his and the Croatian FA doctor, Boris Nemec.

Dr Nemec said: “He clenched his teeth and got on with intensive, painstaking training.

“And his reward for this is he will be back playing quicker than anyone expected.

“He’s come back so quickly. He’s currently on a programme to run and strengthen his muscles and very soon will begin ball work.

“But if he continues at this rate of progress, he will be back playing in two months.

“I certainly think he will be back playing for Rangers for the season finale.”

After the operation, Kranjcar revealed he was determined to be a success at Ibrox.

He said: “It’s always difficult when you get hurt, especially because I was really enjoying it. It gave me a shake, but the injury did not throw me into the pit of despair.

“Something in my head said ‘don’t give up.’

“Of course it would have been easy for me to end my career, because this is the most serious injury I have ever had as a footballer.

“But I am convinced that, if I continue my rehabilitation, I still have a few good seasons left for me at Rangers.”

The Croat netted three times for Rangers in 15 appearances before he was injured.