RANGERS boss Walter Smith has revealed that both Stevie Smith and Thomas Buffel are bang on schedule as they recover from injury problems.

Belgian forward Buffel - who could yet be moved on when he gets back playing again - has been out of action since January 21 following knee surgery.

And left-back Smith, who hasn't featured since December 17, is currently in Belgium completing a specialised programme to strengthen his groin muscles after surgery.

Smith initially suffered problems in this area four years ago when coming through the ranks at Murray Park and spent a lengthy period on the sidelines recuperating.

He recovered fully from that pelvic issue and became a first- team regular under Alex McLeish and then Paul Le Guen, but Smith again started to experience discomfort in the latter part of 2006.

This resulted in surgery on his groin and, while the rehab has been considerable, the manager is pleased with his progress.

Boss Smith said: "It's correct that Steven is out in Belgium at the moment and the reports back are positive.

"It's untrue to say he has suffered a set-back; this trip has been fixed for some time and it's a progression of his rehabilitation.

"He is over there working on his recovery and is enjoying it very much. It's almost a special pre-season programme just for him.

"Due to the nature of his injury and the problems he has had in the past, we felt it was better to go to someone who specialises in that area. It's about ensuring he gets his recovery totally right this time.

"The programme will also hopefully guard against any future problems in and around that groin area because it has plagued him for some time now."

Buffel has been doing how own work in Belgium. But he will join the rest of the squad when they head to Germany for their pre-season trip on July 12.

He saw a move to Hannover collapse in January, and his future could still be up for debate. But the player knows he has to get himself fit first of all.

"Thomas is coming along well. He is about a week or two behind the players but will come to Germany with us," added Smith.

"Once there we will continue his rehabilitation and we will be looking to get him playing again a week or so after that."