The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
No better time for Waghorn to end his Gers scoring drought
Rangers forward Martyn Waghorn admits he has not felt like his old self this season but hopes to perk himself up by shooting down Celtic.
The Light Blues’ leading scorer of last term spent four weeks out of action after pulling a hamstring on the openingdayof thecampaign against Hamilton.
He has struggled to rediscover his scoring touch since returning last month.
His only Premiership strike of the season so far came just minutes before he hobbled off against Accies and, although he did net a hat- trick against Queen of the South in the Betfred Cup quarter-finals, his treble failed to spark him back into form.
Rangers now face Celtic atHampdenin the last four tomorrow and Waghorn reckons it is the perfect time to end his three-game scoring drought.
He said: “I started the season feeling really good but the injury affected me in terms of stopping me from kicking on and getting going.
“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. 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 groupwe are still developing. I know I can do better and I’m working on that. Hopefully, I can kick on this weekend.”
Waghorn’s strike partner Kenny Miller knows just what these derby tussles are all about.
Tomorrow’s encounter will be his 20th over three spells with Rangers and his one- year stint at Parkhead.
Waghorn said of Miller: “Kenny is one of the fittest 36- year- olds you’ll ever meet. The way he trains, thewayhe works is impressive. He’s on it 100% every day.”
Rangers have suffered a major injury blow with playmaker Niko Kranjcar struck down with a serious knee injury.
The Croatian could be sidelined for months if the injury is as bad as Gers chiefs fear.
Former Portsmouth and Tottenham midfielder Kranjcar damaged knee ligaments in a training ground accident on Tuesday.
Ibrox medics are now waiting for the swelling to go down before they are able to fully assess the problem but he could be ruled out for six months or more if the issue turns out to be a ruptured cruciate ligament.
“The injury affected me in terms of stopping me from kicking on”