Dodoo in pledge to work for his place

New Rangers signing Joe Dodoo has warned his fellow strikers he has no intention of sitting on the bench after leaving Premier League champions Leicester.

The 21-year-old rejected a contract offer from Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri in order to link up with Gers manager Mark Warburton.

Dodoo marked his first appearance with a goal after tapping home for his new side during Friday’s 3-0 Betfred Cup win at East Stirlingshire, but he had been forced to spend the first hour of the Ochilview clash watching from the bench as Warburton started with veteran hitman Kenny Miller.

He can expect to make his first start when Rangers round off their Group H schedule at home to Stranraer tonight.

However, in the long term he faces competition from last season’s top scorer Martyn Waghorn, Miller, Barrie McKay, Josh Windass and Michael O’Halloran for a starting berth.

Dodoo said: “I’m here to work hard for my place. That’s the same for everybody coming in, they have to put the effort in. Nobody signs up and goes straight into the team.

“You have to work hard everyday and compete with your team-mates and see if you can get the nod to start.”

The former England youth international, also eligible to represent Ghana, tapped home his debut goal from a Lee Wallace assist in stoppage time.

Dodoo insists he had little hesitation making the decision to move north.

He said: “Rangers is a big club, a very prestigious club, so I was more than happy to come up to Scotland and play.”

Meanwhile, Windass may be rested for the visit of Stranraer after limping off at half-time with a tight hamstring, but Joey Barton is likely to feature after missing the victory at Ochilview.

Warburton’s only other absentee is Windass’ former Accrington team-mate Matt Crooks (ankle).

Joe Dodoo: ready to work hard to feature in the starting line-up.