MARTYN WAGHORN is pleading with Rangers manager Mark Warburton to give him an opportunity to prove that he can fulfil some kind of role in Sunday’s Old Firm Scottish Cup semi-final.

Waghorn, the Ibrox club’s leading scorer with 28 goals, has been out with a knee injury picked up against Kilmarnock in a fifth round replay in mid-February and had been written off for this weekend by Warburton.

He was left out of training at Murray Park yesterday morning, but he believes he can get himself into condition to play at least some part of the match and

“I wouldn’t say I am definitely out,” he said. “I am going to see how the next few days go, but I am working really hard and trying my best to change his mind.

“I am still holding onto a little (hope). In terms of match sharpness, I am probably not ready, but I am doing a lot of work with the physios.

“It is a big game and I don’t want to risk anything, but I will see how I progress.

“When you come here, you understand how big Rangers and Celtic really is. I have enjoyed it all for different reasons.

“Celtic are top of the league and you want to test yourself against the best, so it would be nice to get out there if I can do.

“It has been a very pleasing season and I have thrived on the challenge. It was disappointing to pick up the injury when I did, but I am very pleased with what I have done.”

Meanwhile, Lee Wallace, the Rangers captain, has insisted that his side will seek to force the issue against Celtic by maintaining the attack-minded style that has been established at the club by Warburton.

“I feel we are ready,” he stated. “We are aware of their threat and they deserve respect for that, but we are going to go into this game to impose our style. I keep stressing that.

“We are never going to deviate from that no matter the opponent. That is the strong thing within this group of players.

“We have got belief in our style and belief in what we can do as individuals. We know we have a right good chance if we get it right on matchday.”