Former Rangers midfielder treating Ibrox return with Livingston as 'another game'

Livingston midfielder Stephen Kelly believes he’s in a better place with the Lions as he prepares for a return to Ibrox for the first time since leaving Rangers.

The 22-year-old ditched Glasgow for West Lothian at the end of the summer transfer window after failing to break into the Rangers first team.

He insists he’s trying to treat it like any other game but even he admits it may not be that simple.

Kelly starred for the Lions in Saturday’s 1-0 win over St Johnstone after being handed his first start for the club and he’s hopeful he can keep a hold of the jersey as he prepares for an Ibrox return.

He commented: “When it comes to 3 o’clock, if I’m playing or on the bench, it will just be 11 against 11.

“Everyone knows the size of the Old Firm, I was at one of them for a long time, but I’ll just try and focus on it as another game.

“There might be a wee bit extra added on to it. I know a lot of people there so it might be strange but I will just try and focus on the game.”

The Port Glasgow kid made just three appearances for Rangers as well as having loan stints at Ayr United, Ross County and English fourth tier outfit Salford City.

He knew in the summer, though, it was time to move on from Rangers and admits he was so far out of the picture that he doesn’t really miss anything as he looks to kickstart his career.

He said: “It’s good to feel wanted and that’s a confidence boost. So far I’ve enjoyed it at Livingston.

“There were too many Saturdays when I was sitting watching the scores so to be involved, whether it be starting or coming on from the bench, that’s the main thing for me. I need to get back out playing.”

He added: “I don’t think I miss anything about Rangers. The size of the club is massive and there’s