Fraser Aird insists he simply had to cut his ties with Rangers in a bid to kickstart his career.

The winger tore up the remaining few months of his contract at Ibrox to join Falkirk on Wednesday in a deal that expires in the summer.

The Canada internationalist returned to Govan in October after the end of a loan switch with Vancouver Whitecaps, where he played 18 times.

But, with no prospect of playing for Rangers in the Premiership this season, the 21-year-old is happy to have joined Falkirk and put himself in the ‘shop window’.

Aird, who moved to Ibrox aged 16 and played 83 times, said: “I was a long time at Rangers but obviously I needed to get myself back out and playing again and get myself back out into the shop window.

“After speaking to the manager I’m delighted to get the deal done and hopefully get started as soon as possible.

“I need to get back out there playing games, for myself, and doing what I know I can do, playing week-in, week-out and scoring goals.

“Hopefully I can come here and add a different dimension to this football club.

“Vancouver was good, I enjoyed my time out there. Obviously, being from Canada, although it was still miles away from where I actually grew up, it was good.

“Vancouver’s a lovely city and the club really took to me. I really enjoyed my time there.

“But I’m delighted to be here and to get my career back on track in the UK.”