Papac backs Sebo for fresh start

Sebo scored the first goal in the 4-2 win over SV Lippstadt

Rangers defender Sasa Papac believes new-look striker Filip Sebo is ready to make an impact at the Ibrox club.

The 23-year-old Slovakian failed to impress in his debut season in Scotland, scoring just two goals.

But, having returned to training several pounds lighter, Sebo scored in his first start of Rangers' pre-season warm-ups, a 4-2 win over SV Lippstadt.

Papac told Rangers' website: "He has had a difficult first year but it is like the slate has been wiped clean."

Sebo grabbed the opening goal in Rangers' friendly victory against the German amateurs, with Lee McCulloch netting twice on his debut and Nacho Novo scoring from the penalty spot.

"It was great to see Filip scoring," continued Papac, "and I hope he will score many more in the months to come."

He looks so different with more hair and having lost about six kilos so hopefully it will be like a fresh start for him Rangers defender Sasa Papac

"He looks so different with more hair and having lost about six kilos so hopefully it will be like a fresh start for him."

Former Rangers manager Paul Le Guen signed Sebo from Austria Vienna in August 2006 for a fee of £1.8m.

The bustling forward struggled to settle in the Scottish top flight and featured only sporadically in the Rangers first team, even following the arrival of new manager Walter Smith.

But Bosnian defender Papac says Sebo still has the opportunity to turn his Ibrox career around and compete with fellow strikers Novo, Kris Boyd and Jean-Claude Darcheville for a regular starting place.

"A new season offers everyone the chance to start from scratch to impress the manager and show what they can do," said Papac.

"Filip has done well so far, he looks good in training and I hope he can be a success at Rangers this season."