Lafferty eyeing central Gers role

22 July 2009 21:00
The Northern Ireland international scored nine goals in his first season at the club, having to make do with a wide role in most of his appearances.[LNB]Lafferty is now keen to establish himself up front for the Gers, although he faces plenty of competition from the likes of Kris Boyd, Kenny Miller, Nacho Novo, Steven Naismith and Andrius Velicka.[LNB]"The gaffer and the coaching staff know I am a striker," Lafferty said.[LNB]"But it's down to me whether I want to work my socks off and get stronger on every aspect of my game.[LNB]"It's all right saying that I want to play in attack but I have to go out there on the pitch and prove that I can do the job.[LNB]"I know I can do it but I have a lot of hard work ahead, especially when you look at the players we have for this position.[LNB]"Boydy, Kenny, Nacho and Naisy all have so much quality and Andrius has come back this summer in great shape.[LNB]"He has really shown why Rangers bought him and has looked brilliant.[LNB]"So there is a lot of competition and although I am the youngest I am ready to fight for a place in the team."[LNB]The 22-year-old should have the advantage of being fully fit from the start of the season after missing much of pre-season last year with a back problem.[LNB]The former Burnley player endured a number of frustrating injuries throughout the season and almost missed the title run-in when he damaged ankle ligaments.[LNB]But he returned to score in the 3-0 win over Dundee United that clinched the Clydesdale Bank Premier League trophy and played in the Homecoming Scottish Cup final triumph over Falkirk.[LNB]And he is looking to carry on that form from the kick-off of the upcoming campaign.[LNB]"After the start I had at Rangers last year I am really enjoying being out on the training ground right now and taking part in pre-season," Lafferty told Rangers News.[LNB]"The double sessions are hard work but we have a big year ahead and all the players know how important it is to be ready for that.[LNB]"Personally I feel fit and strong and can't wait for the games to start again.[LNB]"It's clear that everybody is looking forward to the new season getting under way and I am no different, especially as last season was a bit stop-start for me.[LNB]"I managed to get a few goals but I also had injury problems to deal with and at a club like Rangers you have to wait for another chance in the team because there are so many top players.[LNB]"I had to be patient at times but hopefully I showed fans what I can do when I came into the team.[LNB]"But this season my aim is to hit the ground running and hit top form straight away.[LNB]"If I get a chance to play up front in the pre-season games I need to take it."[LNB][LNB] Scottish Premier Winner 2009/10 Win Outright: Rangers 5/6  

Source: Team_Talk