Rangers' Martyn Waghorn honoured to be recognised by PFA Scotland

Martyn Waghorn admits being included in the nominations for the PFA Scotland Championship Player of the Year caps off a season which had already "exceeded all expectations".

Rangers' 28-goal forward was named in a four-strong shortlist - featuring team-mate Lee Wallace and Hibernian duo John McGinn and Jason Cummings - which was released on Thursday.

The Englishman has not figured for Mark Warburton's side since suffering a serious knee injury against Kilmarnock back in February, but is hoping to be involved in Saturday's home match against Alloa - live on Sky Sports - where the Gers will be presented with the Championship trophy.

Speaking to Sky Sports Scotland, the former Wigan striker, who was forced to sit out last weekend's Scottish Cup semi-final victory over Celtic at Hampden, said: "I'm back in full contact training with the boys and I'll kick on from there.  

"It's been a long 10 days or so rehab wise but I'm getting closer. Deep down I knew the Old Firm game would be too soon. I spoke with the manager and the physio and it was too much to risk. We've got a lot of games coming up so it was a week too soon but I am hoping to be involved against Alloa.

"It's been a difficult three weeks watching the boys win the league at home, lift the Petrofac Training Cup and then of course the Old Firm game. It's been tough watching on but pleasing for the boys. Although I've been missing it, I've been really proud of the boys and what they've achieved."

Rangers' victory over their city rivals set up a Scottish Cup final showdown against Hibernian on May 21 and edged them closer to a unique treble having already secured the title and the Petrofac Training Cup following a 4-0 victory over Peterhead at the national stadium.

And Waghorn, who has been capped five times by England at U21 level, has put the success of the campaign down to the shrewd management skills of Warburton, who put together almost an entirely new team within weeks of his arrival last summer.

"It's unbelievable the turnaround this season," he said. "To come in and transform the place and compete on three fronts is fantastic. He's brought a real hunger, a real desire, a real happiness to the place and it's a joy to go in and play football every day. 

"The way he conducts himself - he's a great manager. His knowledge of the game is fantastic. What he's done for Rangers and Scottish football is really great.

"For myself, I've done more than I expected, I've got more goals and I've contributed more. To be challenging for three trophies is great and I have a lot to thank the manager and the lads for my success.

"The chance to play in front of 50,000 crowds at Ibrox, I have loved it, I've thrived on it and we are now looking forward to next season."

But despite strolling to the Championship title and proving more than a match for Celtic last weekend, Waghorn admits he and his team-mates are under no illusion as to the size of task that awaits them when mixing it with the elite of Scottish football next season.

"Realistically we are Rangers - we have to compete," said the 26-year-old. "It's in the nature of the club, it's part of our history. We have got to regroup in the summer and then kick on.

"This season stands you in good stead to do that, but we have to be realistic and say it's going to be tough, It will be tight but we are going to compete and give it a real good go."

And Waghorn admits his inclusion on the PFA Scotland shortlist is "his greatest honour" and recognition for his brilliant form before injury cut short his season at Rugby Park back at the start of February.

"It's a fantastic honour to be nominated for this award by your fellow pros, and it's nice to be acknowledged," added Waghorn, who began his career with Sunderland nine years ago.

"I've never achieved anything like this before and I have a lot to thank my team-mates for. I voted for John Baird of Falkirk. He's really gone under the radar but he's had a great year. And for young player I voted for John McGinn of Hibs. He got his international call-up and he's played some cracking stuff this season."

After a three-year stint at the Stadium of Light, Waghorn moved to Leicester on a permanent deal in the summer of 2010 and he described the Foxes' fairytale march towards the Premier League title as 'fantastic';.

"It's hard to sum up what they're doing, it is just so fantastic," he said. "They are continuing their great run of form from the end of last season... and I'm speechless. They've had a purple patch that has lasted all season.

"They've got players full of confidence and they are four games away from clinching it. You really can't see them slipping up. Huge credit to the defence, the whole team, they've just been so consistent.

Live SPFL Football

"It's huge for them. From where they were five years ago when I was there in League One then getting promoted to the Championship. From there they have just kicked on. They've gone from strength to strength. New owners, the players they've brought in. The boys behind the scenes - the physio who has been there for years. I'm just delighted for them all,"