Kevin Thomson will this morning meet a knee specialist in London in the hope of being given the all-clear to join Rangers' pre-season.

The combative midfielder has almost recovered from the second cruciate ligament operation of his career. Having been placed in the expert hands of Dr Andrew Williams, a leading Harley Street surgeon, the 24-year-old is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation. Though Walter Smith stated a conservative estimated recovery date of September, Thomson revealed yesterday he fully intends rejoining his team-mates when they return to Murray Park on July 9.

He also plans on taking part in the flag unfurling against Falkirk at Ibrox and atoning for the abject misery of Champions League elimination at the qualifying stage against FBK Kaunas last season. In short, Thomson is itching to get back.

"I am going down to see the specialist and hopefully it will just be a handshake and him telling me to get back playing again," he said. "I am not trying to rush, but I am confident I will be back in full training by the time pre-season comes around. I think we were just being on the safe side before, but I think if you said I was buzzing for my first tackle, it would be an understatement."

His quick recovery after seven months of painful and all too familiar rehabilitation is a major boon for a manager who will be without Maurice Edu for the start of the season because of a knee injury and who is also expected to watch Barry Ferguson leave the club for a second time. Thomson has only achieved due recognition in absentia, following the devastating injury to his left knee caused by a collision with David Fernandez, the Kilmarnock player who himself has endured the pain and uncertainty of every footballer's nightmare.

Thomson's tenacity and gallus had been missing throughout Rangers' title bid until Edu made a late but credible graduation. Thomson is Smith's kind of player: committed, abrasive, but with a keen eye for a pass. Can he overcome his latest serious injury and re-emerge stronger, quicker and more influential than ever? Ferguson was given precious little time to rediscover his sharpness upon recovery from reconstructive ankle surgery and, arguably, never did recapture the authority with which he once governed Ibrox. Thomson is adamant he will be back good as new.

"I have worked almost every day since Scott Brown's stag party," he said in reference to his pal's recent shindig in Magaluf. "I have a cycle path near my house so I have been on the bike when I have not been here. I expect to be up to speed with the rest of the boys because now there is no reason not to be."

And what of audience impatience? "That's the situation you have at a big club," Thomson said.

"I am under no illusions that the support, if I do not hit the ground running on my return, will start to make a few squeaks. I have to say their support throughout the time I have been out has been gratefully received. I am sure I can get back to the same level as before, but it has been a long, hard challenge. I don't see why I can't come back again. After the first one, I went on to become captain of Hibs and then won a move to Rangers.

"The first slip in training is always the big test. It is always reassuring when you get back up straight away. Twisting and turning are always regarded as the worries, but with my injuries it has been about the way I have fallen or the way someone has fallen on me."

As well has celebrating his imminent comeback, there has been much debate among supporters as to how the glut of central midfielders will be accommodated by Smith. Ferguson, Thomson, Edu, Pedro Mendes and Steven Davis are all at their most potent when played centrally. The likely sale of Ferguson will create some space, and Edu's absence will give Thomson an early opportunity to re-establish himself. Unless Smith favours a 4-3-3 formation next season, some will have to be disappointed.

"I think it will be much the same as last season: why change a winning team?" said Thomson. "We played 4-4-2 and even if Barry is here I still feel there is a place in the team for me. Maurice has had an operation and will be out for the start of the season, so it is a bit of a myth that we have too many midfielders - unless the manager goes out and brings in three or four."

On paper, Rangers' most effective hub incorporates the drive of Davis, the terrier-like Thomson and the majesty of Mendes. "Pedro is a top player," said Thomson. "I am not saying for a minute he is better than Barry Ferguson, but Pedro has this ability to find people in space and has a knack of knowing when to give you the ball."

Instant entry to the Champions League group stage removes the possibility of another embarrassing exit after last year's elimination in Lithuania. Thomson remains scarred by the memory, but insists the disappointment set the tone for a defiant domestic challenge against a Celtic side pursuing a fourth successive title.

"FBK Kaunas brought us to earth with a bump after the UEFA Cup final," he recalled. "I am pretty sure that result will still stick in people's throats, along with the fact the performance was so poor. The pressure was immense in the first league game at Falkirk. The flak was flying, but we showed a lot of character to win and went on to win six games on the bounce. It gave us the basis to challenge for the title."

Thomson hopes to provide a foundation for more success this time around.