Rangers women defender Laura Rafferty says she is “just happy to be back with the girls” after making her return to the matchday squad at the weekend, following an extended spell on the sidelines with a rare and complex injury.
Rafferty, who had been struggling with undiagnosed abdominal and groin pain for several months, described the moment of being back involved with the team as “amazing”, even if Sunday’s result against Hearts at Oriam was a disappointing one for the squad.
“Since I’ve been out injured, there’s been a massive change within the group,” she explained.
“So I’ve probably been outside of that a little bit. But I was just happy to be back amongst everyone and have that feeling of a match day again.”
A rare and frustrating injury journey
The 29-year-old revealed the full extent of the injury frustration she endured, including playing through pain for around seven months last season as Rangers chased silverware in three competitions.
She detailed sharp abdominal pain, groin fatigue and stabbing discomfort that fluctuated unpredictably, leaving her and medical staff struggling to pinpoint the cause.
“There were days I was in agony and other days I’d feel no pain at all,” Rafferty said.
“We tried everything: scans, injections, rehab, and nothing showed up.
“It became trial and error.”
Eventually, surgery was required to repair multiple issues in the abdominal and groin area simultaneously.
“It was four surgeries in one,” she said.
“Was it the most sensible thing to play through it? Probably not, but I wanted to be part of the journey.
“We won two trophies and I wouldn’t change that.”
The first week post-operation was tough, but the defender credits the club’s medical team for helping her through it.
“Stuart [Phin] has been phenomenal with me,” she said.
“The support has been incredible. I just want to give that reward back on the pitch.”
Recharged, refocused, and ready to go
With Sunday’s Sky Sports Cup quarter-final match against SWPL rivals Partick Thistle next on the schedule, a competition Rangers lifted last season, Rafferty says the team are hungry to go and defend their title.
She said: “When something has your name on it, you take that personally.
“We want to retain it, and Sunday is the first step.”
She also praised new manager Leanne Crichton and the togetherness within the refreshed squad: “We’re all aligned with what we want to do.
“I love the pressure of winning, I love the challenge. I’ve got that fire in me now and I’m ready to bring my voice and energy back to the group.”
Rafferty finishes with a rallying call ahead of the upcoming home Old Firm at Ibrox against Celtic on Friday evening.
She declared: “We’ll give everything for the shirt.
“We know the fans will be there for us - and we will be ready.”