JON Daly has warned it may take time for him to strike up a partnership with Nicky Clark if the Rangers new boys are given the nod to play up front together.

But he has vowed to work tirelessly when pre-season gets underway on Monday to ensure their relationship gels in time for the start of the 2013-14 season.

Speculation is rife among Light Blues supporters about who manager Ally McCoist will get to lead the line for him in the new campaign.

For, as well as Clark and Daly, he has Andy Little, Lee McCulloch and even young Daniel Stoney on the books at the Ibrox club.

However, many believe Clark, who scored 41 goals for Queen of the South last season, will start up front with Daly, who has joined from SPL club Dundee United, just off him.

The experienced 30-year-old has enjoyed highly successful partnerships with the likes of David Goodwillie and Johnny Russell at United.

And he is hopeful he will be able to perform to a similar high standard with Clark – or whoever he is paired with – in the Second Division in the coming months.

The Irishman has, though, urged Rangers fans to be patient and give the new Ibrox recruits the time they need to adapt to their new surroundings.

"I am looking forward to playing with Nicky and all the other boys," admitted Daly. "But you can never tell how quickly you are going to gel with someone,"

"I have never met him or even seen him play, so it is difficult to say how we will get on. I will be working hard in training and work hard on any partnerships.

"The manager has got lots of options.

"Whoever he plays up front will have to work hard to get the partnership going.

"With Goodie and Johnny it took time. But it is something that you definitely work on in pre-season so when the campaign comes you are ready for it."

Daly admitted he was delighted to see Clark arrive at Rangers after him along with Cammy Bell, Nicky Law, Arnold Peralta and Stevie Smith.

He said: "They are good players. The manager has done his homework.

"He has brought in players who he feels he needs to bring in, who he thinks are going to add to the squad.

"I am looking forward to coming in and meeting the new boys and the boys who have been here before and getting back into it and getting playing again."

Former Republic of Ireland Under-21 internationalist Daly has played both as a centre-half and forward during his time in this country.

He confirmed he is prepared to do so again if the need arises – but revealed that McCoist has brought him to Glasgow primarily to play as a forward.

He said: "When I spoke to the manager originally he said he was signing me as a striker. As far as I am concerned, that is where I am coming in.

"But if I am needed at the back then so be it – I am here to play football.

"As long as I am on the pitch I don't mind where I play. I prefer playing up front, but am not fussed.

"I've taken a few weeks off to recharge the batteries. I'm looking forward to getting started at Rangers."