Waghorn wants to be like Kris and Ally
IMITATION is, they insist, the sincerest form of flattery.
And as he prepares for Wednesday night’s game against a Kilmarnock side spearheaded by Kris Boyd, Martyn Waghorn is honest in complimenting his predecessor for setting the standard which he aspires to meet.
In a four-year spell between 2006 and 2010, Boyd’s record for the Ibrox club was remarkable – 101 goals in 143 games.
It earned him a place in the Scotland team, the adulation of the Rangers support and, after his contract ran out, a £30,000-a-week deal from Middlesbrough.
With just 23 goals to his credit since signing for the club in 2015, Waghorn is at the other end of the scale.
The Englishman, though, has big ambitions, and has Boyd – and other Light Blues icons such as Ally McCoist – in his sights.
“When I first came to the club, I was hugely excited about following in the footsteps of so many guys who were legends here,” said Waghorn.
“So one of the first things I did was look into the history of Rangers’ No. 9s. I wanted to know about Kris and Ally’s goal tallies and averages to see what they achieved here.
“That’s what I do as a striker, I compare myself to others, and at this level you need to score 25-plus goals in the Premiership to really nail down the role.
“I want to score 20-plus a season. Unfortunately I’ve played wide and I’ve played just off the striker, and it’s been hard at times.
“You need games and chances to score goals. Now I am playing through the middle again, I feel I’m getting that fluidity back.”
The striker’s happiness is, at least in part, due to the arrival of Pedro Caixinha. Under Mark Warburton’s regime, he was often overlooked.
But he insisted: “We got on, we didn’t fall out or argue. When I wasn’t playing, it was because the manager had other opinions.
“I’ve never thought about leaving. When there were rumours about us falling out, I’d 18 months left on my contract.
“I was just desperate to get back in the side and stay there because I know what I can offer the team.
“I’ve got more trophies to win in my career and I want to do it here. I have said that since I signed for Rangers. I want to play in big games and win silverware.”
RANGERS Soccer Schools are the ideal way for kids to spend their Easter holidays.
Courses are open to 5-14-year-olds and they’ll receive expert coaching and a fun-filled week.
And Rangers coaches will be looking to identify potential stars of the future to recommend to the Elite Football Centre.
Courses will be run at the Ibrox Complex from April 10-14. Prices for Monday to Friday – 10am – 12noon £50.00. 1pm – 3pm £50.00. 10am – 3pm £85.00. There is a £15 drop-off option at 9am for this course. To book call FITC Admin. on 0141 580 8819, 0871 702 1972 or e-mail soccerschools@ rangers.co.uk