WARBS: WAGHORN ON COURSE FOR CUP FINAL
Striker boost for Gers chief as league campaign draws to close
MARK WARBURTON is confident striker Martyn Waghorn is on course for a Scottish Cup final berth after making his return to action against St Mirren yesterday.
Rangers rounded off their Championship campaign with a 2-2 draw against the Buddies as they extended their winless league run to four matches.
But the performance of Waghorn was one of the main positives for boss Warburton as the 26-year-old was handed a start after several weeks out of action with a knee injury.
Rangers now have a three-week buildup to their final showdown with Hibernian and Waghorn will be given another run-out in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Tottenham Hotspur.
He showed no ill-effects of his time on the sidelines as he twice came close to scoring during his hour on the park and
Warburton was pleased with a positive showing from his star striker.
He said: “It is all credit to him and the physios for the work that has been done. He has come back, is fit, hungry, sharp and you can see that he wants to play.
“We are delighted to get an hour of him, he will play 75 minutes in the next game, and will be ready for the final.
“He has a chance of starting. He has worked hard and looked really fit. He looked as if he hadn’t been away.
“There was no rustiness to speak of on a difficult surface and I thought he was very good.
“He has made a good case for selection.”
Rangers were denied at the death at Paisley as Lewis Morgan levelled with just seconds to go but Warburton was satisfied with an improved showing from his side.
He said: “I was delighted with the second-half. The pitch was dry and difficult for both teams, but they were brave on the ball, had runners, created chances and hit the woodwork.
It may have been a disappointing end to the campaign as Rangers let another two points slip but there were reasons to be optimistic for Warburton.
There is no doubt about that. It is not by chance he has scored 20 goals.”
Everton are the latest club to be linked with a move for boss Warburton but the Englishman has once again brushed off speculation about his future.
Warburton said: “Who is it this time? I can’t stop that. The only time you get linked to big clubs is when the players are doing well.
“It’s as simple as that. If you lose 12 on the spin you won’t be linked with any jobs.”