An accidental clash between the two players during Rangers’ 4-0 win over Kilmarnock on Sunday has resulted in severe damage to Thomson’s knee, which is likely to result in an eight-month lay-off.

Fernandez was out of action for a year with a similar injury, and told the Scottish Daily Mail: “I will try to get his phone number to call him and say how sorry I am.

“I have been there and I know how hard it is. But you have to try to be as positive as possible and work as hard as you can to get back as quickly as possible.

“It is a long way back but he knows that. I don’t like to think about how long I was out for – it was long enough.

“I only got through it because I had so much support and, because of that, I think I am back stronger than ever.

“I hope Kevin can be the same.”

Meanwhile, Ibrox team-mate Kenny Miller insists Rangers are even more determined to win the Clydesdale Bank Premier League so Thomson at least has the consolation of a winner’s medal this season.

“We want to win the league whether there are injuries to players or not but this is a bad one and we all feel for Thommo,” he told the Daily Record.

“He is bitterly disappointed, as is everyone. Although we won the game, everyone went to the medical room to see how he was before we went back to the dressing room.

“Speaking to Thommo on the bus on the way back from Rugby Park, he said he felt a crunch in the knee and he has had experience of what it feels like on his other knee, he knows himself that it is a bad one.

“Every team has to contend with an injury to a key player during a season and that’s what Thommo has been for us.”