KENNY MILLER is determined to rise to the striking challenge and be an integral part of Mark Warburton’s Rangers blue print this season.

The forward came off the bench to add a shine to the score line on Saturday as the Gers beat Hibernian 6-2 in the Petrofac Training Cup first round.

Miller’s late brace came after debutants James Tavernier, Martyn Waghorn and Andy Halliday had put Rangers on the road to success at Easter Road.

And the 35-year-old is confident he can play his part in the Ibrox attacking line as the Light Blues bid for the Championship title this term.

Miller said: “I have not had much game time, I had a niggling injury at the start of the season which was disappointing.

“I am just happy to be involved to be honest on the first day because I have only had half an hour on Tuesday night.

“It was great to come on and play a part and obviously it is always nice for strikers to get in amongst the goals.

“There is no doubt you need that [competition] at any club. It is healthy.

“Of course you want to play, you want to be the first name on the team-sheet. But competition is healthy and we are assembling a decent squad.

“At some points at the start of the season we looked a bit light, but in the last few weeks we have made some really good additions that will hopefully stand us in good stead throughout the season.

“It is not only about the first 11 lads that are on the field, it is about the lads on the bench and in the squad.

“We have got a good dressing room and everyone is pulling together and is focused on one thing this year.”

The Easter Road cup triumph was the perfect start for Rangers as they got their campaign off and running with a superb six-goal showing.

And Miller is confident the Light Blues are on the right track under boss Warburton and assistant David Weir after an encouraging start to the new season.

He said: “Every manager has got their different style, different philosophy or different techniques whether it be in training or in games.

“He has brought a real enthusiasm, and bringing Davie in as well, the two of them work really closely together.

“They are on the same hymn sheet and they want everybody to pull together.

“They have really tried to pull us all together as a group, get us believing that we are a good team and in the things they want us to do.

“In the first four games, we have tried to carry out the manager’s instructions to the letter.

“We are four weeks in and we are only going to get better and stronger as the season goes on.”