Rangers' Van Bronckhorst rues missing Hibs clash

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is desperate to take part in Rangers' crunch Scottish Premier League match with Hibernian.

A win at the weekend for the Ibrox side would close the gap to second-placed Hibs to just two points and the injured midfielder is finding it is agony having to watch from the sidelines.

He is ruled out until February but believes Rangers have now put a bad spell firmly behind them.

"We have a lot of confidence back, and we want to emerge the other side of Christmas in great shape," he said.

"On a personal note, I just want to start getting back to fitness. I love football, and I really enjoy helping Rangers to success, so I'm missing it badly.

"I'm not thinking, 'Oh, I can have a good time over Christmas because I'm injured'. I'd give anything to be involved in those Christmas matches."

Van Bronckhorst admits the game against Hibs will be a tough one but believes it is a good chance to climb the table and start putting pressure on leaders Celtic.

He added: "It's a great opportunity to gain some ground on the leaders, especially with Celtic having a couple of away trips.

"Hibs is obviously a very big match. It's the sort of game that you need no motivating for.

"A win would put us just two points behind Hibs with a game in hand. When you get into that position you start thinking about overtaking them.

"Of course, they'll be out to hold their own, but I think you've seen a revitalised Rangers team over the last few games."