Chris Burke reckons fighting his way back to full fitness is only half the battle in his bid to break back into the Rangers first team.

The winger has been out of action for six months due to an ankle problem, but is edging closer to a place in the senior squad after a string of reserve games.

Yet, such is the pool of talent manager Walter Smith has assembled, Burke is not expecting to walk straight back into the side.

"Competition here is immense just now. Our squad is very big and there is a lot of talent," the 24-year-old said.

"It will be very difficult for me to get involved again because it's not just one or two battling for places. There are three or four all going for the same spots all over the park and that means that if you're playing, you have to make the most of it.

"I'm happy with the way things are going for me and hopefully when I'm fully fit I get my chance."

"Things are going well for me in the reserves and I'm very happy with my progress."

"My injury feels a lot better and it is good that my ankle is more stable now and close to 100%.

"It can only improve with more games and the most important thing at the moment is for me to continue building up my fitness.

"The more I play, the more that will happen."

Even further in the future is the possibility of adding to the two Scotland caps he won two years ago and the two goals he scored on his debut against Bulgaria.

Burke admits he will be looking on in envy as a host of his Ibrox team-mates run out at Hampden on Saturday for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Norway.

"A few of the boys are away with Scotland this week and it is a great honour to play for your country," he said.

"But my aim first and foremost is to get back into the Rangers team and that's what I need to be thinking about."

While Burke is keeping his fingers crossed over that, one player guaranteed his place in the Rangers side when fit is captain Barry Ferguson, who is also close to making his comeback.

Burke continued: "Getting Barry back will be a massive boost, both for him and for the club. He is our captain and has showed what he can do in the past.

"I'm sure when he comes back, he'll be determined to prove to everybody that he's back to his best again.

"From what I've seen of him in training, he looks as though he is back to normal again and I'm sure he'll be a great asset once more to the club." Kids quiz the stars

RANGERS' juvenile season ticket holders enjoyed a free, AGM-style Q&A session with Walter Smith, coach Kenny McDowall and captain Barry Ferguson today at Ibrox.

More than 2000 young supporters also met and quizzed first-team players Steven Whittaker, Steven Naismith and Chris Burke, who said: "We receive tremendous backing from our young supporters, these young fans will be part of the Rangers family forever."

Smith added: "There were plenty of excellent questions put to me, Kenny and the players."