Kevin Kyle eyes final crack at SPL after ankle op solves long-running injury

Gordon Waddell
16 Jun 2013 11:03

THE former Scotland, Rangers and Hearts striker insists he can still do a job for top-flight club after being held back by injury for last three years.

KEVIN KYLE reckons the medical profession has cost him the best three years of his career – but he hopes one more ankle op can see him make a top-flight comeback.

And he revealed he'll be chapping on the door of any SPL club who'll have him to make it happen over the summer.

The striker left Rangers by mutual consent in March, niggling injuries seeing him start only four games at Ibrox.

However the frustrated 32-year-old still feels he has plenty to offer after finally getting to the root of his problems.

Down at Largs last week earning the first part of his B-Licence, Kyle is planning his long-term future in the game – but it's the short-term he's more interested in.

He says he received the best of care at Ibrox but a series of scans on his problem ankle took him no closer to a solution.

Kyle said: "Rangers were good looking after me, making sure I was okay if I needed any medical facilities. But when I started training, it was still sore.

"It was supposed to be a six-week medial ligament tear but it wasn't healing.

"I was out almost six months through no fault of my own.

"I started four games, scored three and played quite well. The team won. Who is to say I couldn't have continued that if I'd come back and recovered properly?

"I had visions of doing well at Ibrox and getting another year. It only didn't work out because of injury.

"The last three years, the injuries I've had, there have been diagnosis problems. It's been an absolute shambles and I feel I've been totally let down."

He's now working with Kilmarnock physio Alex McQueen and feels there is fresh hope after his fourth scan.

Kyle said: "My scan last week showed an abnormality, a tiny tear on my cartilage. It's a tidy-up job and in a couple of weeks I should be good to go."

Kevin Kyle scores Rangers' second Kevin Kyle scores Rangers' second

The striker's career started so well with Sunderland and Scotland in his early 20s but he hasn't been without his struggles.

A gambling problem and injuries saw him flit through football until a settled spell at Killie for 18 months led to a move to Hearts.

And despite hip, knee and ankle problems, he now reckons he's as close to fitness as at any point since – and he hopes he gets the chance to prove it.

He said: "My plan is to phone SPL managers, apart from the obvious ones like Celtic or the ones up north because I'm quite happy where I am.

"I don't deal with agents, never have done, my mouth is big enough.

"I've no bargaining power because of my injury situation – I know that. I'm not greedy but I won't sell myself short. I feel I can offer something. I'm 32 and can play anywhere. I definitely feel I can play in the SPL – I just need a crack at it and a bit of luck.

"I'm going to be fit and healthy soon – but it's tough to take, missing three seasons when I could've done a lot.

"I'm sure someone will get me in for a couple of weeks.

"If I get that opportunity, I don't doubt for a second I can do enough to impress.

"Teams start back at the end of June, start of July and hopefully I'll be fine to go in for a week or two."

Kyle admits he'll look abroad if no top-flight clubs come calling – so long as he is getting games.

And he has a long-term vision of coaching and management.

He said: "My wife thinks if I get another bad injury, what will we do?

"I'm enjoying the course though and I can see myself being a manager. I've a lot of experiences in and out of football I can take into that next step."

Taken from the Daily Record