Sat 11 Nov 06
Rangers 2
Dunfermline 0
Goal

STEVEN SMITH became Rangers' first choice left-back in early 2006 but has struggled in recent times with on-going groin problems.

The young Scottish left-back was included in the travelling party for the pre-season training trip to Germany before the 2003/04 season - with youth pal Chris Burke - and his career really looked set to take off.

However, he missed the majority of that campaign through injury and at one stage feared he may never play again.

Thankfully, the defender has proved his fitness and he was finally thrust into top team action against Hearts on November 28, 2004.

Stevie replaced Mo Ross at half-time and played his part in a fine 3-2 victory, a result that propelled the Light Blues to top spot in the SPL for the first time since October 2003.

He was handed his first SPL start in the 1-1 draw with Inverness Caledonian Thistle the following week and his career has gone from strength to strength ever since.

In 2005/06, the defender made 24 appearances for the first team and, by the end of the campaign, had cemented his place in the first-team and won the club's Young Player of the Year award.

His battling displays have earned him rave reviews and he looks to have a very bright future at the club.

He scored his first senior goal in a 2-0 win over Dunfermline in November 2006 but was forced to sit out the rest of the season following the Old Firm game in December 2006.