Waghorn in rallying call to players

Rangers forward Martyn Waghorn accepts they cannot hide behind uncertainty over the managerial situation as they bid to reverse their slump.

The Light Blues fell nine points behind second-placed Aberdeen in the Ladbrokes Premiership after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Inverness, their second loss in a row under caretaker boss Graeme Murty.

Rangers are understood to be moving closer towards appointing a long-term replacement for Mark Warburton, but Murty looks likely to be in charge again when St Johnstone visit Ibrox on Wednesday night.

Waghorn knows it is up to the players to drag themselves out of a difficult run of form which has seen them win only once in seven Premiership matches.

He said: “It was a bitter pill to swallow on Friday but we have got to stick together. It’s a frustrating time but we have to get on the training ground. The only way we can get out of it is to work hard, stay together and try to turn it round.

“It’s only us that’s going to do it, nobody else can do it for us. It’s up to us as players to take responsibility and lead from the front.”

Rangers have been interviewing candidates for both the manager’s job and a new director of football position. Southampton’s director of scouting and recruitment Ross Wilson, formerly of Falkirk, Huddersfield and Watford, is believed to be the preferred choice for the latter role.

Former Ibrox skipper Barry Ferguson became favourite for the manager’s role among some bookmakers after resigning as Clyde boss following a 10-game run without a league win, but it is understood he is not a contender.

Some bookmakers have made Barry Ferguson favourite for the manager’s role at Ibrox.