Kyle Lafferty has vowed to be the number one striker at Rangers next season.

The Northern Ireland international has found himself isolated on the wing at times but now he plans to play down the centre and score goals for fun.

Lafferty netted nine goals in his first season at the club but he faces plenty of competition up front from the likes of Kris Boyd, Kenny Miller, Nacho Novo, Steven Naismith and Andrius Velicka.

“The gaffer and the coaching staff know I am a striker,” he said.

“But it's down to me whether I want to work my socks off and get stronger on every aspect of my game. 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.

“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. Boydy, Kenny, Nacho and Naisy all have so much quality and Andrius has come back this summer in great shape.

“He has really shown why Rangers bought him and has looked brilliant. So there is a lot of competition and although I am the youngest I am ready to fight for a place in the team.”

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. The former Burnley player added: “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.

“Personally I feel fit and strong and can't wait for the games to start again. If I get a chance to play up front in the pre-season games I need to take it.”