Smith has not played since December 2006

The 22-year-old left-back has not played for 10 months and has travelled far and wide in search of a cure.

"I am still far, far away from being fully fit," he told Rangers News.

"But I will never think that my career could be over. I will always be positive and have the hunger and desire to return to the team."

Smith made his Rangers debut in November 2004 and held down a regular starting place last season before injury struck in December.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to news of Stevie Smith's lingering injury

"Just knowing that you are going to play for this great club again is a light at the end of the tunnel because that is something that I have worked so hard all my life for," he continued.

"There is no injury that is going to stop me getting back playing for Rangers.

"It is just a matter of how long it will take, that is the hardest aspect for me.

"I know that I will play again soon but the pelvic injury has been a major problem for a long time now and it has also affected the surrounding areas.

"I have had a lot of trouble with it so I need to be 100% fit before I think about a return.

"I have been to Belgium, Germany and I am also travelling to the Denmark this week to see specialists there so there are a lot of people looking after me.

"Everybody has the same objective which is to get me back fit and playing again so that is all I can ask."