Injury-hit Rossiter has fresh start on his mind

Jordan Rossiter has admitted his relief at returning to first-team training after enduring a difficult first season at Rangers.

The Liverpool academy graduate suffered a nightmare first season in Glasgow, making just six appearances after breaking down with a calf problem.

Rossiter featured in the first four league games last term following his arrival at Gers, but played no more after a succession of calf injuries which began in the second half against Kilmarnock.

Now the midfielder is looking to make up for lost time.

He told the club’s official website: “It is an unbelievable feeling to be back out playing football, it has been a real frustration for me that first season.

“I haven’t really trained much and I haven’t really played much but I am happy I have come through it and I am on the other side. I am feeling better than ever.

“I think no matter where you are living, you’re a footballer and you just want to play football. You want to get minutes, you want to play games and you want to train every day.

“I don’t know where to start with what my injury was to be honest. It started in my calf, I was getting little niggles in my calf.”

After going through a long recovery, which included seeking specialist help with the Football Association, Rossiter is keen to put it behind him and break into the Premiership side.

He featured in the Europa League defeat to Progres Niederkorn and played 90 minutes in the Betfred Cup win over Dunfermline, but has yet to play a minute in the league after sitting on the bench against Hibs at the weekend.

“It is a massive season for me, it is up to me to stay fit, I know that now,” he said. “I don’t want to forget about last season because it is a time I never want to go back to so it is always in my head.

“I feel like it is my first season here if that makes sense, I feel like I need to start again.”