Smith hoping fitness guru Owen can give Rangers squad pre-season boost

Sports scientist Adam Owen moved to Ibrox on the recommendation of coach Kenny McDowall, whom he had impressed during their time together in the youth ranks at city rivals Celtic.

Rangers duly headhunted their man from Sheffield Wednesday in March and it was his fitness and conditioning work which helped Walter Smith's side cope with a punishing run-in which saw them juggle their quest for the UEFA, CIS and Scottish Cups with a hearty pursuit of the SPL title. 

Watching brief: Sports scientist Adam Owen (left) keeps his eye on Christian Dailly during Rangers training

In the end, only CIS Cup and Scottish Cup glory came the Ibrox side's way but, so impressed was manager Smith at Owen's effect on his squad that he is now looking forward in earnest to see what benefits can be gleaned from a full pre-season under the instruction of the former League of Wales player.

'We started with Adam last season and he has been excellent,' said Smith. 'He worked very hard and brought a lot of different things to the club.

'Last season showed that it was beneficial, so it's going to be much the same this season - with one or two changes.

'Most players nowadays are in decent condition when they come back. Gone are the days when players turn up half-a-stone heavier or whatever. We don't get that now, it's just a case of working in the first fortnight to top everything up.

'Our new players (Kyle Lafferty and Kenny Miller) are settling in well. That's not to say they are enjoying pre-season training, but it does give them a chance to settle in.

'Kenny knows the majority of the guys and he's one of those boys who is experienced enough to settle in quickly. Kyle is a bit younger and it will take him a little while to settle, but he has already shown he's a good player.' 

And Smith believes capturing veteran duo Davie Weir and Christian Dailly on one - year contract extensions will prove a shrewd move by the club.

He said: ' I t' s good news for everyone. Over the last 18 months, Davie has shown he can still play extremely well and Christian showed that for us over the last six months, too. We are delighted to have them both back in the squad for next season.'