KEVIN THOMSON has backed Niko Kranjcar to reproduce his finest form at Ibrox this term and become an integral part of the Rangers midfield.

The Croatian saw his first campaign in Light Blue cut short in October as he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury that ruled him out of action for several months.

But he has been a key component of Pedro Caixinha’s side this summer as the Gers prepare for the Premiership kick-off against Motherwell next weekend.

And former Ibrox star Thomson believes Kranjcar will be determined to finally prove his worth and shine for Rangers in the coming months.

He told SportTimes: “It is in the nature of the beast and when you are a top player you have that belief within you. That is what separates top players from average players.

“Niko has got that mentality in abundance and he will have that arrogance to show people that he is still a top player. That is a good arrogance because that is what good players have.

“There is no doubt in my mind and there won’t be any in his that he is still as good as anyone at the club and he will still believe in himself that he can produce the goods at the very highest level.

“I think he will put that demand on himself. I don’t know what he is like as a person, I have never met him, but to play for the clubs he has and with the talent he has got there will be that belief within him.

“He will want to show everybody what a good player he is this year, regardless of injury and regardless of people thinking he had an indifferent season last year.

“Everyone had a different opinion on how he did but he will have belief that he is a good player and he will show that this season.”

The return of Kranjcar was a significant boost for boss Caixinha ahead of the new campaign and has given the Portuguese another creative option this term.

The 32-year-old was utilised on the left of a midfield four in the draw with Marseille last weekend and earned the Gers a draw with a superb second half free-kick.

Kranjcar has mostly been deployed in the middle of the park during his Ibrox career but Thomson insists he is worth accommodating in the team.

He said: “I think Niko could play anywhere, really, and it is obvious to anyone that watches him that he is still a quality player.

“He won’t get up and down the line but that is not his game. He will come into the pitch and find positions and influence the game.

“He has probably not got the legs to play as a two in the centre of the park but his quality is second to none and the manager has found a position for him.

“Every time I have watched him he has been a class act and him and Kenny (Miller) are still as good as anyone.

“For the team to move forward, you need to be able to get about the pitch and that is why Pedro is using him in a wider area when that is not as important, especially when he has Lee Wallace bombing up and down the line.

“Having Niko in the side helps the team retain possession, it helps them have a cutting edge because he has got such a clever array of passing.

“I think he will be in and out the team at times at different venues but he is a clever player and the manager will try and fit him in as much as he can.”