Rangers boss Walters Smith has insisted that full-back Stevie Smith remains in his plans, despite reports in the Scottish media earlier in the week claiming that the former Scotland U21 international was set to leave the Gers with Town his possible destination.

The Rangers manager says a shorter term move may be more likely, although admits he is unsure how the player sees his future: "Steven has been out for a couple of years and he may have to go out on loan somewhere.

"At the same time, nobody has said anything about him leaving the club, unless that's what he wants and the story must have come from him.

"I don't know if that's the case, but he has never mentioned that to me and I'm not sure if he wants to leave or not.

"Steven has been missing for a while and he needs a number of games, but I don't think reserve matches give players the edge they require.

"That's the case for a number of our players. As far as Steven is concerned, I would certainly look to put him on loan, but that doesn't mean he'll necessarily leave the club."

Smith has been sidelined for the best part of two years due to a pelvic injury and the Bellshill-born player, who is contracted to Rangers until 2010, made only two senior appearances last season.

The 5ft 10in tall full-back, who has previously received full Scotland calls but is yet to win a cap, made his debut for Rangers back in 2004/05 and since then has made 46 starts and four sub appearances, scoring one goal.

Town look short of full-back cover at present, particularly on the left side with David Wright, primarily a right-back, covering for Ben Thatcher while he recovers from his thigh injury.

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