Friday 21 October 2016 20:07, UK
Martyn Waghorn says he has not been his usual self so far this season but is keen to get back on track by helping Rangers beat Celtic at Hampden on Sunday.
The Gers striker was out for a month with a hamstring injury suffered on the opening day of the campaign against Hamilton and he has struggled to rediscover the form which saw him finish as his side's top scorer last season since his return.
His only Premiership goal of the season so far came against Accies and while a hat-trick against Queen of the South in the quarter-finals of the League Cup did not spark him back into form, he thinks the semi-final tie with Celtic is the perfect time to end his three-game scoring drought.
"I started the season feeling really good but the injury affected me in terms of stopping me from kicking on and getting going," he said. "These past few weeks I still think I've been off the pace a little bit. I've not been my usual self in terms of being a threat up front.
"The longer the run goes without scoring the more you end up snatching at things. You don't mean to do it purposely but I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform. I want to score goals and play well.
"I've been working hard this week though. I've realised what I need to work on. I'm still learning. It's been a step up to the Premiership and as a group we are still developing. I know personally I can do better and I'm working on that. Hopefully I can kick on this weekend."
Waghorn's team-mate Kenny Miller has plenty of experience in these fixtures, with the former Scotland striker now set to make his 20th Old Firm appearance over three spells with Rangers and his one-year stint at Parkhead.
But having crossed the divide twice, Miller has not always had it easy and this week he was the subject of a video showing him being targeted for abuse by a Celtic supporter while out shopping but Waghorn thought his team-mate handled the incident well.
He said: "That's the sort of thing you have to deal with. It's not great, it's not ideal. It's childish but it's one of those things that some people are going to do to try and get under your skin. He handled it very well and walked away. That's all you can do in those circumstances.
"Kenny has been absolutely brilliant. Since the day I came in here he has helped and guided me so I know what it's like to play for Rangers and how to deal with all the pressures.
"It was absolutely fantastic that he got his 100th goal against Inverness last weekend and I'm so pleased for him. He's one of the fittest 36-year-olds you'll ever meet. The way he trains, the way he works is impressive. He's on it 100 per cent every day."
