Rangers' Martyn Waghorn in no rush over fresh contract talks

Martyn Waghorn wants to win back his place in the starting XI. Picture: SNS

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The 27-year-old rejected Gers’ offer of a new deal back in the summer and there has been little progress in the six months since.

The former Sunderland, Leicester and Wigan forward now has just 18 months left on his current Light Blues agreement - but Waghorn is in no rush to resume talks.

Instead, the frontman is determined to prove to boss Mark Warburton he should be leading the line for Rangers after a season of frustration.

Asked if he would like clarity on his future, Waghorn said: “Yeah definitely. It’s one of those ones where you don’t want to leave it too late and be undecided on your future.

“Hopefully we can get things going in the near future.

“But personally I think I need to do more in the starting line-up, getting goals and helping the team out.

“We’re still holding off on talks right now. I’m in no rush, the club are in no rush. I’ve still got 18 months left and hopefully I can start putting in some performances on the pitch, then we can see where that takes us.”

Waghorn hit 28 goals in his debut campaign in Glasgow and has added another 10 so far this term.

But those strikes do not cover up the poacher’s anguish having spent most of the season on the bench.

A hamstring injury suffered on the opening day against Hamilton kept him out for a month and he has struggled to regain his rhythm since losing his place to Joe Garner.

But after laying on a goal for Kenny Miller in last weekend’s Scottish Cup win over Motherwell and with Garner currently injured, he is trying to look on the bright side.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Well at Fir Park, he said: “It’s unfortunate that Joe is out injured but I’ve got to be ready for my chance. When I get it, hopefully I take it.

“I got the assist for Kenny ‘s goal against Motherwell and I felt I contributed to the game. Whatever minutes I get all I can do is try to have an impact.

“I think for any striker playing games is crucial. You need to get your rhythm.

“All professionals get frustrated like myself. It’s one of those things I need to learn to deal with.

“Sometimes you can let your mind run away with it and it’s one of these things you need to just work on and keep as calm as possible, so when you do get a chance you are in the right frame of mind to do your job.”

Waghorn has been linked with moves to Bristol City and Fulham but he insists the transfer speculation has not been the reason for his troubles this term.

“I didn’t think there was anything in that,” he said.

“At the start of the season I was linked with clubs because I was scoring goals. That’s part and parcel of the game.

“I had the injury and that has probably affected me more than anything else.

“Coming straight after pre-season it’s not nice to get injured in the first game. But I’m getting back to where I want to be.”

Waghorn will have an easier time regaining his form if team-mate Barrie McKay continues laying on chances.

But he knows the winger - who was recently the subject of a reported enquiry from RB Leipzig - may not be around at Ibrox for long if he continues attracting attention.

He said: “Baz has done fantastically well. He is a great young prospect. He’s got some good clubs after him but it’s up to him to keep working hard and hopefully not let it distract him.

“I know what kind of guy he is. He can go as far as he wants. He’s young enough, he’s got great abilities, he’s quick. He’s got great feet and can also find the net.

“But right now, until things change he just has to get on with his job.

“It would be a blow for us if he leaves but until anything changes he’s still a Rangers player and that’s what we’ve got to focus on.”

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