Bircham fears Rangers exit

Last updated : 25 January 2007 By Editor
Bircham has been beset by hamstring problems and now faces surgery on his lower back.

That will rule him out for the rest of the season - almost certainly ending his chances of securing a new contract when his current deal expires this summer.

Bircham told BBC Sport: "I'm gutted. I hope I haven't played my last game for the club, but it looks like I have.

"I should know more next week, but at this stage it's a case of waiting to see what the specialist says.

"It's been troubling me for a while and considering the pain I've been in, when I've played I don't think I've done too badly.

"I really wanted to play on and avoid having the operation, but when I came off on against Southampton on Saturday I realised I couldn't delay it any longer."

Meanwhile, Rangers have formally announced that the contract of left-back Matthew Hislop has been terminated by mutual consent.

Hislop, 19, was one of a number of players recently told they had no future at Loftus Road.