Tuur Rommens has declared himself ready to fight for a place in the Rangers starting XI ahead of Wednesday's trip to Hearts after finally returning from injury.
The Belgian left-back made his comeback in Sunday's 4-0 victory over St Johnstone, coming off the bench for his first appearance since suffering a groin injury.
Rommens had been forced to watch on as Rangers' season developed, with James Penrice taking his opportunity at left-back and establishing himself as a regular in Derek McInnes' side.
Now back to full fitness, the 23-year-old faces an intriguing battle for the position ahead of a significant trip to Tynecastle.
Rommens gutted to miss Old Firm clashes
The former Westerlo and Genk defender admitted he was frustrated to miss a number of important fixtures but is now desperate to make up for lost time.
"Yeah, especially the big games you miss, of course. Like all the games you want to play, but especially the big games you want to play more,” he said about missing back-to-back Old Firm wins last month.
"But it is football, it is with injuries. I had a couple now and, yeah, a little bit unlucky with that. But yeah, I was desperate to come back and be better than before."
Extended layoff explained
Rommens' injury occurred during Rangers' first home Premiership match of the season against Hibernian, when he felt an issue in his groin in a 2-1 defeat.
He subsequently returned to training during the September international break and was given time to rebuild his fitness before making his comeback.
"I had my last action against the Hibs. I felt something in my groin, and it was big, bigger than I expected,” he explained.
"I was back, I think, the first week of the international break in September. So, then I had three weeks to get my fitness back and I feel ready now to play games."
The January signing now returns to a Rangers side where competition for places is fierce.
Rommens ready to challenge James Penrice
Penrice has impressed since establishing himself in the team, while his versatility could potentially provide McInnes with another option should the manager decide to find a way to accommodate both players.
Rommens, however, welcomed the competition rather than viewing it as a problem.
"He did well. I think the whole team did well. I think it's good to have competition in a team like Rangers because with 11 players you cannot win a championship,” he explained.
"We need more than 11 players and I think he did very good."
Tynecastle task awaits Gers
The timing of Rommens' return could hardly be more interesting, with Rangers travelling to face Hearts on Wednesday.
Hearts finished above Rangers last season and have continued to represent a major challenge, while the presence of former Tynecastle boss McInnes adding another layer of dramatic undertone to the fixture.
Rommens believes the game carries additional significance and insists Rangers must ensure they finish above Hearts this season.
"I think Hearts, because of what they did last year and also now the gaffers here and Shanks and Cammy [Devlin], so there's a little bit more pressure on the game and we'll be ready for it on Wednesday,” he said.
"We need to finish above them, there's no doubt of it."
Selection dilemma for McInnes
The return of Rommens gives McInnes another selection decision to make at a crucial point in the campaign.
Penrice has earned his place with his performances, but Rommens was signed to provide quality on the left and will now be looking to reclaim the position he occupied before his injury.
There is also the possibility of Penrice being utilised further forward or in midfield if McInnes wants both players on the pitch, although the manager's eventual solution will depend on the shape and personnel he selects at Tynecastle.
After a frustrating spell on the sidelines, the Belgian has his first opportunity to force his way back into the team, and Wednesday's trip to Edinburgh could provide the perfect stage.
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