FRONTMAN GARY BACK AND READY FOR ACTION

GARY McSWEGAN could barely lift his legs out of bed a year ago but now he's planning to give defences sleepless nights again.

The former Rangers striker reckons a Harley Street specialist has added another two seasons to his career after he was struck down by a groin injury that sidelined him for almost six months.

McSwegan, 35, has been put through a rigorous pre-season at Ross County and admits he has never felt better. But his future will lie away from Dingwall as new manager Scott Leitch re-structures the First Division club with the emphasis on youth.

McSwegan, who has played for clubs such as Notts County, Hearts, Dundee United and Kilmarnock, insists there are no hard feelings as he prepares to hit the road again.

Elgin City boss Brian Irvine has sounded him out about a player-coach role but McSwegan is keen to return to the central belt with his family.

He said: "Scott is keen to bring down the average age of the squad and I respect what he is trying to do. But there are still goals in my legs and I'm feeling great after coming through a groin operation in London.

"I'd been sidelined for the previous five months with a groin injury which had got so bad I literally couldn't lift my legs out of bed in the morning. I had to roll myself on to the carpet before I could get to my feet and rehab at the club wasn't working.

"But the specialist in Harley Street pinpointed the problem immediately. I was back in training within seven weeks of the op and haven't missed a day since.

"I reckon he has added at least another two seasons to my career."

McSwegan also hopes to kick-start his career in coaching and pass on the benefits of two decades of experience.

He added: "I've worked with some great bosses including Walter Smith, Howard Kendall and Jim Jefferies.

"It's great to see former teammates such as Davie Robertson, Ian Durrant, Craig Brewster, Maurice Malpas and Owen Coyle carving out careers in coaching and management and I'd love to follow in their footsteps.

"Coaching, as well as playing, is something I hope to focus on in the next few seasons."

Taken from the Daily Record