Martyn Waghorn denies ‘predictable Rangers’ claim

Martyn Waghorn scored Rangers' second goal to rescue a point against Morton. Picture: PA

Gers were a goal up against Morton within 90 seconds on Saturday after Kenny Miller nodded them in front.

But despite an encouraging opening half an hour, the Light Blues failed to add to their lead.

They started the game passing the ball with purpose but the longer it went, the more the Ladbrokes Championship leaders over complicated things in the final third.

Time and again they had opportunities to try their luck from the edge of the box or to throw crosses in from out wide but instead tried to walk the ball into the net.

It was a similar story to the 1-1 draw at Livingston last month and this time it allowed Morton to soak up pressure before hitting out in front after a bizarre James Tavernier own goal was followed up by Stefan McCluskey’s strike seven minutes from time.

But Waghorn - whose quick-fire leveller clinched a 2-2 draw to protect Warburton’s unbeaten home record as Gers boss - rejected suggestions that the surprise element has disappeared from the Light Blues’ attack.

He said: “I don’t think teams are figuring us out but they are making it harder for us to break them down.

“It’s up to us to do that though. We’ve got plenty of quality in this squad. We keep the ball, we’re patient and tire the other team out with 20 or 30 minutes left to go.

“Morton gave their all on Saturday, though. and there was about four or five of them going down with cramp.

“That’s credit to them and they deserved their point.”

Saturday’s draw keep Morton in fourth and Gers will now face the remaining two promotion contenders over the next fortnight as they visit third-placed Falkirk on Saturday before hosting nearest challengers Hibernian on December 28.

Gers remain three points in front after nine-man Hibs produced their own comeback to level late on against the Bairns in Edinburgh.

But Waghorn insists nothing will be decided over the next 15 days.

“Every game is vital now,” said the striker, whose claimed his 20th goal of the season with his 84th-minute equaliser. “Falkirk will pose us a different challenge. They caused us problems at our place so it’s up to us to work hard this week, get a plan in pace and move on from the Morton game.

“Can it be the most decisive fortnight of our season so far? Yes and no. We’re playing the other teams in the top four three games running so it will be tough challenges.

“But it’s not just a two-week season. We’ve got to go right through to May. What happens over the next couple of weeks won’t be defining.

“We believe in out own quality and will back ourselves to come back even stronger.”