Wigan's on-loan Ranger Webster keen to remain at Ibrox

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The 25-year-old, on loan at Rangers from Wigan Athletic, would be forgiven for thinking that things could not get any worse when 2008 arrives next week.

The current calendar year has been an annus horribilis to rival any in the game, one cursed by injury problems and the ongoing complications of his controversial departure from Hearts some 18 months ago.

It began with Webster suffering knee-ligament damage in his very first training session at Murray Park after moving north from the JJB Stadium in January.

He was then ordered to pay Hearts £625,000 in compensation for breaking his contract under article 17 of FIFA transfer regulations - with an accompanying two-week suspension at the start of the current season.

The Tynecastle club have since taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, claiming a figure in excess of £4million, with an outcome finally expected at some point early in the New Year.

Webster did manage one competitive appearance for Rangers, scoring in the 4-0 win over Gretna in September, but he was swiftly back on the sidelines after suffering another knee injury in a closed-doors match with Ayr United.

There is, though, now light at the end of the tunnel for the player, capped 22 times by Scotland, and Webster hopes to play a significant role for Walter Smith's men in the second half of the season.

"There is no doubt that it has been a difficult time for me but, unfortunately, part of being a footballer is having to deal with injuries," he said. "I have seen a bit more of the treatment room than most recently but, hopefully, I can kick on now and get back playing football again after the turn of the year.

"The most important thing for me is to look to the future and not look back, as that would just be frustrating. Although I can't put a date on my return, I am desperate to get back fit and give the manager another defensive option.

"I am on the bike, cross trainer and in the swimming pool at Murray Park - and the medical staff have been great with me. The next stage is to get outside and get running again to get my general fitness levels back."

Ibrox chief executive Martin Bain confirmed recently that the club will seek to extend Webster's loan from Wigan until the end of the season. That was welcome news for the centre-back, who is determined to rebuild his career with Rangers.

"This is a great club to be at and it is where I want to be," added Webster.

"Sometimes, things do not go your way but, in the next half of the season, I want to really impress people and show everyone what I can do."