Thomas Buffel

Birth Date: February 19 1981
Birth Place: Ruddervoorde
Birth Nation: Belgium
Nationality: Belgium
Position: Midfielder

Thomas Buffel Transfer Rumours

20 07 2007

Rangers pair Stevie Smith and Thomas Buffel are to resume training however must wait until September to play.

Left back Smith was missing since December with a pelvic injury and midfielder Buffel was out since January with a knee problem.

"Both of them were out for a long time," manager Walter Smith informed the club website.

"I think it will take them between a month and 6 weeks to reached the necessary level of fitness."

The Ibrox club had taken a bid for Buffel in January however the Belgian international discarded the transfer to Hannover 96, who beat Rangers 1-0 Tuesday.

However, Smith has given the 26 year old encouragement that he can play his part at Ibrox.

"Thomas was bothered by injury and I think that was apparent last season, however he has shown he can be a very good player and we would like to get him fit and get him back in the team again," added Smith.

"There is no reason why he cannot be an important member of the team."

Defender Ugo Ehiogu, who also missed Rangers' Germany trip with a calf strain, should also be back in training Monday.