Foderingham ready to push for No 1 jersey

Wes Foderingham is determined to push all the way for the Rangers goalkeeper’s jersey after being given encouragement from manager Steven Gerrard.

Foderingham’s Rangers career looked over in the summer when Allan McGregor returned to Ibrox and Jak Alnwick started the season on the bench.

But Foderingham was drafted in for the Betfred Cup tie at Kilmarnock last month and Alnwick subsequently departed on loan to Scunthorpe.

And the former England under-19 international will start his second match of the season in the quarter-final against Ayr at Ibrox tonight.

McGregor’s form has meant there is little hope of Foderingham displacing the Scotland international for league and European matches but he is determined to seize any opportunity he gets and be ready should he need to step in.

When asked about his situation, Foderingham said: “It’s a bit difficult obviously.

“I still see myself as a number one who is not in the side at the moment but my job is to train the best that I can and when the opportunity comes to go out on the pitch and play, to give a good account of myself.

“I’m not used to it. It’s the first time in my career that I have had a period on the bench, so it’s difficult.

“But different demands have been placed on me this season and it’s up to me to face those challenges on and off the pitch.

“And, like I say, when I get the opportunity to play, to give a good account of myself.”

Ayr’s Chris Higgins misses out through an ankle injury but former Aberdeen defender Daniel Harvie is available after suspension.

Striker Uche Ikpeazu is a major doubt for Hearts’ tie with Motherwell with a foot injury.

Well striker Curtis Main and defender Peter Hartley face late fitness tests but injuries rule out midfielders Andy Rose and Alex Rodriguez Gorrin.

Loan striker Conor Sammon misses the game.

Wes Foderingham will be in goal for Rangers tonight.