Filip Helander is playing without pain for the first time in years and feels fitter than EVER before.

The defender left Rangers on a free transfer after missing almost all of the last two seasons at the club with injury - including a Europa League and Scottish Cup Final.

Already defying critics with a stunning return back to the Sweden international team after quickly gaining fitness at Odense in Denmark, the defender was coy about a switch back to Scotland.

He admits he loved his time in Glasgow and refused to rule out a return to the club he grew to adore.

He told the Daily Record: “I’m not aware of the injury I had at all, which is great. And I think I can still achieve a lot in the game. That’s something I have in my mind. I try to set goals in terms of what I want to do.

"I’m only 30 so hopefully I have a good few years left in me. Because I was out for a long time it’s almost like I feel MORE healthy now. It’s about making up for lost time. That’s how I’m trying to look at it. I hope to have a good season here in Denmark and see what happens after that.

“I’ve only signed a one-year deal at Odense. They weren’t certain whether I’d be fit or not. So it was a good place to hopefully get game time. Could I come back to Rangers for free next summer? You never know…”

“I always look for Rangers’ results and watch games when I can but they usually clash with Odense’s matches. I like to have a close look at the scores or how they’re playing. I loved Glasgow and have fantastic memories. My last year at Rangers was a struggle but it felt incredible to be back playing for Sweden again. I’ve always felt I still had a lot of good football in me.”