KEVIN THOMSON became Rangers' fourth signing of the January 2007 transfer window when he put pen to paper on a four and a half year deal.

The midfielder had been at Hibernian since school and spent six seasons at Easter Road, captaining the club for a lengthy period despite his tender years.

A defensive-minded player with exceptional ball skills, Thomson was born in Edinburgh but grew up in the Borders town of Peebles.

He made his debut for Hibs on November 1, 2003 - aged 19 - and went on to establish himself in the side that season, scoring the winner in the CIS quarter-final tie against Celtic and going on to play in the final that Hibs surprisingly lost to Livingston.

The campaign would end in further disappointment for Thomson when he suffered cruciate ligament damage in a match against Partick Thistle in May 2004, not returning for a full 11 months and playing only four times in season 2004/05.

He made an impressive comeback the following season, becoming one of Hibernian's most influential players.

From the start of season 2006/07 he was the constant source of transfer speculation, with Charlton, Bolton and Celtic all said to be interested in signing him.

Instead, the former Scotland under-21 and B player chose to move to Ibrox. He was used sparingly in his first few months by Walter Smith but looked confident and adept whenever selected.

He blossomed in his first full season with the club as he amassed over 40 starts in a hectic schedule for the club.

Thomson scored his first goal for the club in an Old Firm derby at Ibrox in March 2008 but was then suspended for two Parkhead league fixtures that saw the title momentum swing back to Rangers' rivals.

He returned to play a crucial role in helping his side reach the UEFA Cup final with a superb performance in Florence as Gers edged past Fiorentina.

Showing ever increasing maturity at the start of a new season, he scored his second goal for the club in Lithuania but it wasn't enough to stop Rangers slipping out of Europe at the hands of Kaunas.

Thomson was however an influential figure in Barry Ferguson's absence as he played a key role in the heart of midfield winning plaudits for a string of fine displays.

He replaced his captain at both club and international level as he made his Scotland bow with a 45 minute appearance against Northern Ireland at Hampden in August 2008.

It was ironic then that Thomson would be the man to make way for Ferguson's return when he suffered the second serious knee injury of his career at Rugby Park in November of 2008.

A successful operation at the turn of the year should see Thommo back with his team mates in the summer of 2009 as he bids to play an even bigger role as his side look to retain the SPL title won in his absence.