Waghorn’s out to shoot down Celtic

Former Sunderland striker Martyn Waghorn admits he has not felt like his old self this season – but hopes to perk himself up by shooting down Celtic.

Scottish Premiership newcomers Rangers’ topscorer from last term spent four weeks out after pulling his hamstring on the opening day of the campaign and has netted just three times since returning, all in a Betfred Cup tie against Queen of the South.

Now Rangers look to shock Celtic by winning their Betfred semi-final at Hampden Park tomorrow, just weeks after enduring a 5-1 Parkhead mauling from Brendan Rodgers’ men in the league.

South Shields-born Waghorn, who made eight appearances for Sunderland before being sold to Leicester for £3million in 2010, after a successful loan, said: “These past few weeks I still think I’ve been off the pace a little bit. I’ve not been my usual self in terms of being a threat up front.

“The longer the run goes without scoring the more you end up snatching at things. You don’t mean to do it purposely but I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform. I want to score goals and play well.

“I’ve been working hard this week though. I’ve realised what I need to work on.

“I’m still learning. It’s been a step up to the Premiership and as a group we are still developing.

“I know personally I can do better and I’m working on that. Hopefully I can kick on this weekend.”