DARREN McGREGOR is confident he can rise to the challenge to see off competition for his place and hold down a defensive berth at Rangers this season.

The former St Mirren defender has made an impressive start at Ibrox and netted his first goal for the club in the 2-1 victory over Sacramento Republic.

"The competition in our changing room is great," McGregor told the club's official website.

"You've got guys such as Bilel Mohsni and Marius Zaliukas pushing for positions too. That's obviously going to make it difficult to get into the team but if I put in performances like that and hopefully keep ticking over I'll give the gaffer something to think about.

"Hopefully by the time the season starts I'll be in contention but I don't want to get too far in front of myself. I've played well and had a few 45-minute games under my belt but I'm looking to improve. That's the type of person I am."