WALTER SMITH might not have vast amounts of money to splash in the transfer market this summer.

WALTER SMITH might not have vast amounts of money to splash in the transfer market this summer.

But having midfielder Kevin Thomson back from a long-term knee injury could be just as good as making a multi-million pound signing.

The Scotland international received the green light to continue his recovery programme yesterday after travelling to London for a final check-up with the specialist who performed cruciate ligament surgery on him seven months ago.

Thomson will now take his place with the rest of the Rangers first-team next week as they begin their pre-season training and fully expects to be pushing for a starting slot when the SPL season kicks off on August 15.

And Bobby Williamson, who was Thommo's manager when he broke into the team at Hibs, reckons his return will hand the Ibrox club a massive boost.

"It's as good as a new signing if you want to look it that way," explained Williamson. "When you have a player who is out with a long-term injury and they return, then it can be like getting a new player.

"Kevin missed the bulk of last season, so to have him back fully fit for the start of the new season will be great news for Walter Smith.

"He'll now have a top midfielder available again who he wasn't able to call upon last season so it will hand Rangers a major boost."

With Barry Ferguson set to quit Rangers before the start of the season - Birmingham City currently lead the race for his signature with Alex McLeish keen to land him in a £1m deal - there could be more expectation on Thomson's shoulders this season.

Williamson, however, believes he is the sort of player to thrive on that and fully expects him to step up to the plate. "You've got to remember Kevin was the captain of Hibs at a young age," he pointed out. "And he has operated in the SPL for a number of years now.

"He is also a Scotland internationalist so he is an experienced enough player.

"Kevin likes to take responsibility on the park. He likes to get on the ball and play passes, he can tackle and he has shown he can get forward and continue with goals as well.

"Whether anyone leaves Rangers or anyone arrives, there is always massive competition at such a big club.

"Towards the end of last season, Maurice Edu came in and by all accounts performed really well and you also have Pedro Mendes and Steven Davis can play in the middle.

"But, as I said, you expect fierce competition for places when you are playing for Rangers."

Williamson is confident Thomson can bounce back from an injury he feared might end his career to return to the form he displayed prior to that fateful day at Rugby Park against Kilmarnock.

"I think it's fair to say Kevin was enjoying a fantastic run of form just when he suffered the injury," said Williamson, who is currently in charge of the Uganda national team.

"But he has already returned form a serious knee injury. He suffered the first one at Hibs and he got back to a level which won him a move to Rangers so I've no doubts whatsoever he'll become a key player again for Rangers during the new season."