Source: Team_Talk
Whittaker sets out personal goals
The Ibrox utility man brought his tally for the campaign so far to 11 when he set the ball rolling on Tuesday night's 2-0 Scottish Premier League win at Kilmarnock.[LNB]Only strikers Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller - who was also on the scoresheet at Rugby Park - have scored more goals than Whittaker for the Scottish champions this season.[LNB]The fact most of the latter's efforts have come from the full-back position makes his goal haul even more impressive.[LNB]But, as for edging even closer to the prolific duo of Miller and Boyd in the scoring charts, Whittaker believes helping to shore up the rearguard should be the priority.[LNB]He said: "As a defender, I don't think getting goals should be the target. Clean sheets should be the target.[LNB]"But if I can join in and score a few goals this season, that would be great.[LNB]"I'm getting into the positions at the moment and finishing them, so long may that continue.[LNB]"It's fantastic to score 11 goals and hopefully I can just keep going until the end of the season. The points and the results are the main thing but it's always nice to play well and to get a goal as well."[LNB]Rangers struggled to overcome a stubborn Killie side in the first half last night before Whittaker made the breakthrough shortly after the restart and Miller doubled the advantage just six minutes later.[LNB]The win allowed Walter Smith's men to restore their lead at the top of the SPL to 13 points and means they have now suffered just one league defeat - at Aberdeen - in the last calendar year.[LNB]When asked about Rangers' ability to grind out results even when they are not hitting top form, such as their last two SPL outings, Whittaker admitted the prospect of a second successive title was driving the team on.[LNB]He said: "It's just about confidence, momentum and willingness to win games, really.[LNB]"We want to retain the championship and that is motivation in itself. If we can keep going on this run, we will get there."[LNB]Rangers are now potentially just six games away from ensuring the SPL silverware remains at Ibrox and Whittaker insists there is no problem keeping their focus on the job at hand.[LNB]He added: "It's an old cliche but we will just try to win each game that comes along and keep on trying to pick up each three points.[LNB]"If we do that, we will get there. We need to respect everyone that we are up against and just go out and do the job."[LNB][LNB]
