Rangers newcomer Sean Goss reveals how broken back wrecked his hopes of a breakthrough at Manchester United

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Rangers newcomer Sean Goss has revealed how a fractured back cost him 12 months of his career and wrecked hope of a breakthrough at Manchester United.

The 22-year-old midfielder, on loan at Ibrox from QPR until the end of the season, edged closer to the United first team squad during Louis van Gaal’s time in charge at Old Trafford.

He featured on the club’s 2015 summer tour and was named on the bench for a Premier League game against Watford in October that year.

Rangers' Sean Goss has revealed how a fractured back cost him a shot at Manchester United

He edged close to a first-team spot at Old Trafford when Louis van Gaal was in charge

Two months later, however, Goss – then 20 – was diagnosed with the injury that placed his life on hold as he began an arduous year of rehabilitation.

Thankful simply to be able to play again after that experience, he is now aiming to make an impact with Graeme Murty’s side.

Speaking as Rangers continued their winter training camp in Florida, Goss said: ‘I felt my breakthrough moment was when I went away with the squad in pre-season in 2015. That was a massive learning curve.

‘It taught me a lot and put me in great shape for the start of the season.

After going on United's 2015 tour to America, he was diagnosed with the devastating injury

‘But then around Christmas I picked up my injury which was really frustrating especially as I watched a lot of the other lads getting to step up in the second half of the season. I was buzzing for them but I was unable to enjoy the same experience.

‘I fractured my back. I was out for about 12 months, although I feel absolutely fine now.

‘The injury was really a gradual build-up. Then after one game I woke up in the morning and I couldn’t move.

‘I didn’t have a clue what was going on. I was in an apartment with one of the other boys and eventually I was able to get into the training ground.

‘I am fortunate to still be playing, when you think about it, so I don’t look back with any regret.’

Goss, pictured playing for United's U21s in 2015, felt the tour could have been his big chance

Jose Mourinho was in charge by the time he returned to fitness and he shipped him on to QPR

By the time Goss returned to fitness, Jose Mourinho had replaced Van Gaal and he opted to make a £500,000 move to QPR in January 2017.

‘You worry about things when you are injured for so long, but I was lucky I was in the perfect place to get back fit with the doctors and the people they knew,’ added Goss.

‘Thankfully I didn’t have to have surgery. It was injections and lots of rest. I spent a lot of time doing nothing.

‘It was the same time that Luke Shaw broke his leg. We got to similar levels in terms of our rehab so when you have someone by your side it’s a real help.

‘I also had some dealings with Darren Fletcher in my first couple of years and he was a massive character around the club.

‘He was a great example of how to come back from a serious problem. There was some doubt about him over his illness but it showed his character that he came back strong and he’s still doing it now.’

The 22-year-old midfielder is now on loan at Ibrox from QPR until the end of the season

Murty believes Rangers can provide the perfect stage for Goss to live up to his past promise.

‘I’ve told him it’s about coming here and working really hard,’ said the Ibrox boss.

‘He’s only 22 and I think it speaks volumes for the guy that he’s gone to Manchester United and asked to leave because he wanted to play football.

‘He’s gone out seeking games and QPR and while it hasn’t quite worked out for the moment at QPR, he’s come to Rangers seeking football once more.

‘I see lots of young people sitting on good money, comfortable with not playing football.

Manager Graeme believes Rangers can provide the stage for Goss to live up to past promise

‘Sean wanted to come here and go again. That speaks volumes for him.

‘We hope to give him that platform. Hopefully we can do as much for him as he’ ll do for us.’

Goss will add an option to a midfield area depleted by Graham Dorrans’ continued absence due to an ankle injury.

‘Sean will bring something different,’ added Murty. ‘If you look at what’s been said about him, when you look at the type of character he is and what style of play he can add then, again, I’m very happy to have him on board.

‘He’ll go and get the ball and get the game started from the back of the pitch.

‘He has a lovely range of passing and he can extend the game with his lovely left foot.

‘When things are difficult and teams are hard to break down we need someone who can dictate the tempo for us and hopefully Sean can help us there.’

Meanwhile, Ross McCrorie is being assessed by the Rangers medical staff after suffering a foot injury in Florida.

Ross McCrorie is being assessed by the medical staff after suffering a foot injury in Florida

The problem is believed to be a recurrence of an injury the 19-year-old first sustained when he collided with an advertising hoarding in a win over Ross County early last month. It is not yet clear for how long he will be sidelined.

Rangers play their first Florida Cup match against Atletico Mineiro tonight (thurs) before facing Corinthians on Saturday. The Ibrox outfit return to competitive action with a Scottish Cup fourth round tie against Fraserburgh on January 21.

Any significant absence for McCrorie would be a blow for manager Murty, who has made the youngster a key part of his team since replacing Pedro Caixinha.

The Scotland Under-21 international recently signed a new contract that will keep him at Rangers until 2022.