ON YOUR MARK GET SET ...GO

Waggy sights fixed on new path after ‘uncertainty’ of Warbs era

MARTYN Waghorn hopes Rangers can move in the right direction after the ‘uncertainty’ of the Mark Warburton era at Ibrox.

Rangers confirmed on Friday night that Warburton, David Weir and Frank McParland had left the club after a dramatic week behind the scenes.

The trio tendered their resignations through an agent early last week before a request to remain in position at Ibrox was rejected by the Light Blues board.

Waghorn hit the winner as Graeme Murty led the Gers to a 2-1 Scottish Cup victory over Morton on Sunday.

Rangers are 27 points adrift of Celtic in the top flight after a rollercoaster campaign and Waghorn admits it has been tough going at times this term. He said: ‘You could say [we have under-performed this season]. It’s been

difficult one. People don’t know if they are playing – they are in and out. There has been a lot of uncertainty at times.

“But you are playing for a big club and people are not going to deliver that on a plate. You have to go out and work for it.

“Myself and other players have been in and out. But it’s important that you do your job when you are called upon.

“It’s been difficult for a number of players and a number of different reasons. But it is time to move on.”

Pressure had built on Warburton in the aftermath of the 4-1 loss to Hearts and a home draw with Ross County in what proved to be his final match in charge.

Under-20 boss Murty stepped into the dugout and saw his side set up a quarter-final clash with Dunfermline or Hamilton Accies.

Waghorn said: “It was eventful. It was difficult leaving two days before a game and trying to get a quick turnaround. Graeme has come in and done a great job by rallying the boys round.

“The only way you can respond is by winning games of football. It was a difficult period, but the win was the most important thing and we move on together.

“We need to keep doing what is essential for this club, which is winning games. Yes, it’s been difficult, but that’s part and parcel of playing for a big club and we’ve just got to get on with it.

“[Murty’s message was] play for yourself, the club and the fans. You have always got to go out and give 100 per cent.

“We’ve got a great set of boys here. It is important that we stick together and I think you saw that [on Sunday].

“It’s a change for everyone and it’s important we all head in the right direction.”

Waghorn was a key member of the Ibrox squad Warburton guided to the Championship title and Scottish Cup final last term.

But a series of poor performances and results in recent months meant the writing was on the wall for the Englishman ahead of his high-profile exit on Friday.

Waghorn said: “I’ve not spoken to him. Obviously, he’s been away for different reasons. I was focussing on the game and it was important to be in the right frame of mind if called upon.

“Whether I will speak to him in the future, I don’t know. I’m more interested in playing for Rangers right now.

“It was difficult this year with a lot of pressure from different angles. But what we achieved last year means I’m very grateful he brought me here. He’s made a lot of changes and produced a style of football that attracted a lot of players.

“Football has highs and lows and it is important that you deal with them. I’m sure he’s disappointed and the boys are disappointed, but it’s time to move on and look forward.”