SPL: Nerlinger due back in action

Rangers’ missing midfielder Christian Nerlinger could be back in action in time for the make-or-break month that will shape his club’s season.

The German, who has been missing since the third game of the season because of a foot injury, is convinced he is only a few weeks away from a comeback.

And he feels he could not have timed it better as February sees not only a CIS Insurance Cup semi-final date with Celtic but also a UEFA Cup last-16 clash with Feyenoord.

He said: ‘‘I hope I can come back in time for all the big games in February. I don’t want to say for certain that’s when I will return, but it’s a realistic target for me to set.

‘‘There are big games coming up, most notably against Celtic and Feyenoord, and it’s a great incentive for me to work towards.’’

The £1.6m summer signing from Borussia Dortmund has been sidelined since August 1, after injuring a tendon in a foot.

But following an operation in America, the German international is on the comeback trail, having recently resumed training with the first team pool.