Surf and turf for Webster

ANDY WEBSTER went surfing at Bondi Beach.

Now the Rangers star wants to ride on the crest of a wave this season.

Webster is back at Ibrox after winning the Scottish Cup on loan at Dundee United last season.

He has started both Gers' friendly games here in Sydney and is looking a top addition to Walter Smith's squad.

Webster insists it feels like he's never been away as he soaks up surf with his team-mates.

He said: "It's been great coming to somewhere like Sydney for a change of scene.

"The manager said when we were coming here that it's a great place to visit, a real experience, and he was right.

"Some of the lads climbed the Harbour Bridge, which is really an iconic image, and we went to Bondi Beach.

"I don't think you could call it surfing, exactly - it was more just grabbing boards and getting thrown around in the water.

"Steve Davis was pretty good. A couple of the boys managed to get themselves stood up on the boards for a wee bit.

"It's been really good all round, just little things like staying in a central hotel so we can go walking around, do some shopping and see the sights.

"Football-wise, the level of opposition has been good so far.

"And I suppose it has been good that, unlike other teams, we are not having to play big European ties right now - we're having a proper pre-season.

"But personally I've slipped back into things fine. My target is to get in the team every week and give myself the best possible chance by being available to play.

"I've played in both games so far but it's only the pre-season, isn't it?

"The important thing is to keep the place once the real football begins."

Webster was outstanding for United last term - lifting the Scottish Cup as skipper - but insists he always planned to return to Rangers.

He added: "Going to United and playing on a regular basis was great.

"It was important to play in games that meant something, where points were at stake.

"We had a very good season and I enjoyed it - but I always knew I was coming back here.

"The loan was just part and parcel of being a footballer. I was playing in the SPL so Rangers' coaches monitored me virtually every week.

"I'd think I must be better for the experience, because I managed more than 30 games, I played competitive football - and I was made captain, which I really enjoyed."