LEWIS MACLEOD is relieved he is over the health scare that brought his season to a premature halt last term.

And now he is determined to hit the goal trail for Rangers, keep his place in the team and bring further success to Ibrox.

The midfielder missed the closing weeks of the League One campaign with a viral issue that caused problems with the muscles around his heart.

After spending several months out of action, Macleod has been an ever-present for Ally McCoist's side so far this season and scored in the 2-1 Petrofac Training Cup win first-round over Hibernian.

The visit of Clyde tonight gives the 20-year-old another chance to shine in Light Blue and Macleod is pleased to be back to full fitness for his biggest season to date.

"I think I'm back to normal now," he said. "It was a wee bit of a scare but I'm just glad to get over that hurdle now and get a couple of games under my belt. I'm just happy to be playing again and hopefully that continues.

"There was no reaction after the games. That was one thing I was maybe scared about - playing a couple of games and then going back to how I was. But so far, so good. Hopefully, it can stay like that.

"I was always tired in the pre-season games but that is part and parcel of what comes with it.

"It was in the back of my mind in the Hibs and Hearts matches but I got through them not too badly.

"Hopefully, I can just keep on going and not get that scare again.

"If I can keep well and fit, then I'd hope to get between 10 and 15 goals this season. I would be more than delighted with that.

"My first aim is just to keep playing. The more I play, the more I'll get chances to score."

After getting their Championship title challenge back on track with victory over Falkirk on Friday night, Rangers return to cup duty this evening when they welcome Clyde to Ibrox.

The second round tie will see former Gers stars Barry Ferguson and Bob Malcolm return to the club where they made their names after emerging through the Light Blue ranks.

Both are sure to receive a warm welcome from the Ibrox crowd as they look to mastermind a shock win for the Bully Wee.

And it will be a moment to savour for Macleod as the highly-rated midfielder looks to follow in Ferguson's illustrious footsteps.

Macleod sad: "Barry was definitely an inspiration to me. He was someone who came through the ranks at Rangers and had such a great career.

"Most of the guys my age who were playing for Rangers would have looked at Barry and wanted to emulate what he did for the club and how he played. He was a brilliant player.

"The all-round way Barry played and conducted himself on the pitch was the most impressive thing.

"He always played with his chest puffed out and was a standout player in the team, even with all the big stars that came in.

"He could take games by the scruff of the neck and conduct the way the team played. The majority of the time, they played well."