Rangers striker Dean Shiels claims he never had any intention of departing Ibrox during January and wants to stay with the League One leaders for as long as they will have him.

The Northern Irishman was heavily linked with a move away from the Gers during the transfer window but managed to see out last month without a serious bid being lodged.

The former Kilmarnock and Hibernian attacker says he is determined to hang about as long as possible and reiterated his commitment with a hat-trick against Dunfermline on Friday night as Rangers booked a place in the William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-finals.

Shiels said: "I wasn't aware of any speculation or bids being made. Obviously there's talk every day about certain things but I just want to stay here and play for this club.

"As long as they have me I will be here."

The rumours about the 19-year-old's future began swirling as he struggled to break back into Ally McCoist's line-up following knee ligament damage which had kept him out for the best part of a year.

But he has now struck six goals in last five games and believes he has finally rediscovered his top form.

"It's been a good run that I've been on - hopefully that continues," said Shiels.

"It's been hard getting back into the swing of things. I was out for nine or 10 months and for any player it can be tough, especially when you just want to go out there and help the team.

"But I'm back now, I'm feeling good and feeling strong. Hopefully now I will have a good finish to the season.

"I got a great reception from the fans coming off when I was substituted near the end against Dunfermline and that's what we all want to play football for. There's nothing like it when you are scoring goals and helping the team - it gives you a great feeling.

"But I don't want to take much away from the lads in the team. They worked really hard behind me and it was just a case of me tapping them in at the end."