Whittaker eyes Gers start

Versatility could be key for enthusiastic utility player

By Carla Hilton   Last updated: 27th November 2008

Whittaker eyes Gers start

Whittaker: Versatile

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Steven Whittaker is hoping to keep his place in the squad for Rangers' trip to Hearts at the weekend.

The 24-year-old utility player has been favoured in a left-back position in the absence of the injured Sasa Papac but admits he would prefer to play a more central role.

Gers boss Walter Smith is enjoying a relatively injury free period with his squad and has a number of options ahead of Saturday's match at Tynecastle.

With competition for a starting place fiercely hotting up, Whittaker is hoping his versatility will give him the added edge.

Strength

"With the strength of the squad right now, it is taking a player to be injured for others to get their chance so when you are called upon you have to do your best," he said.

"I have recovered from injury and I have kept my head down.

"I have now managed to play a couple of games in a row and hopefully I can go on a run now and manage to stay in the team.

"Playing left-back is a position I can fill in. It's not one of my favourite positions. I prefer to be on the other side of the pitch but I'm just happy to be in the starting XI."

Focus

With Gers still trailing Celtic by four points in the title race, Whittaker realises his side can ill afford any more slip ups.

"Hearts are going well at the moment so we are expecting a tough game," he said.

"It's always difficult there and we will need to take our best game with us and hopefully come away with three points.

"Hearts gave us a tough game at Ibrox earlier this season and I'm sure it will be equally testing at Tynecastle.

"We played well the last time we were there. Hearts couldn't handle the pace we played at that day and hopefully it's the same this weekend."