Garner’s bustling to get back in action

RANGERS striker Joe Garner has stepped up his recovery from a shoulder injury as he targets a potential first team return next week.

The Englishman was stretchered off in the early stages of the Old Firm derby on Hogmanay after landing awkwardly following a collision with Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko.

There were fears that Garner could face a considerable spell on the treatment table, but the injury was not as bad as initially suspected.

Rangers head to Fir Park tomorrow aiming to record successive wins over Motherwell after their Scottish Cup success last weekend.

Garner will once again miss out for the Light Blues, but boss Mark Warburton is confident he will be back on the park sooner rather than later.

He said: “Joe trained on Thursday morning. He was told non-contact.

“Joe Garner non-contact is you and I smashing around with suits of armour on. We had to try and hold him back a little bit – and he took out two of the players!

“He’s wearing a shoulder brace and will probably be back to full contact on Monday and I’m sure he’ll be available for the following game.

“I’m not a medical expert, but the simple fact is if there is too much damage in there the threat is it comes out again regularly so I’m pleased the specialist is happy.

“There is a weakness there but Joe being the way he is it might take something special to pop it out again.

“It might be a game early, it might not. He certainly could be at Tynecastle, and likewise the games on from there.

“It is pleasing to see him back. He is a quick healer.”