Naismith made a scoring return with the reserves

Rangers striker Steven Naismith scored for the reserves on Tuesday in his first appearance since suffering a serious injury in the summer.

The 22-year-old feared being out for up to a year after being carried off during the Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone in May.

Naismith played for 70 minutes and scored in the 3-1 victory over St Mirren at Murray Park.

"I'm glad to be playing again rather than being stuck in the gym," he said.

Naismith underwent surgery to repair the damaged cruciate ligament in his left knee and initially feared he would be out for 12 months.

But his recovery has been quicker than expected and he expressed relief at making another appearance in a Rangers jersey.

"I've been a bit surprised. This game only came about last week and the physio said he wanted me to be involved in it," he said.

"I'm delighted I managed to get a run-out."

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