ANDY HALLIDAY insists he will rise to the challenge of increased competition for a Rangers starting spot for the second time this season.

The midfielder has been an integral part of Mark Warburton’s side once again this term but his place could be under threat following the arrivals of Jon Toral and Emerson Hyndman last week.

Both players made their debuts in the 4-0 defeat to RB Leipzig on Sunday and are bidding for a jersey when the Light Blues host Motherwell in the Scottish Cup this weekend.

Read more: Ian Ferguson: Ibrox boss Mark Warburton will have to shop smart to strengthen his Rangers ranks

Halliday saw Joey Barton, Niko Kranjcar, Jordan Rossiter, Matt Crooks and Josh Windass join the Gers during the summer and the 25-year-old is determined to see off the latest Ibrox recruits in the coming weeks.

He said: “The new boys, Jon and Emerson, can help us in midfield. We've been unfortunate so far this season to get injuries in that department.

“We've been light in numbers and the gaffer wanted to get boys in. They're two good additions.

“The Leipzig game was a tough one to come into but they've looked good in training.

“We'll know each other a lot better after another week's work before the Motherwell game. They'll also learn more about how we want to play.

“I welcome the competition in there. You can't be at a football club like Rangers and not expect people to try and take your jersey.

“There was competition who arrived at the start of the season and it forced me to raise my game.

Read more: Ian Ferguson: Ibrox boss Mark Warburton will have to shop smart to strengthen his Rangers ranks

“I think I did that when I had to at the beginning of the campaign. It benefitted my game and I'm sure it will do so again.

“All the boys will feel the same. When there's someone breathing down your neck trying to take your place – you know you have to play well to stay in the team”

Having lost Barton from his squad and seen Kranjcar and Rossiter sidelined through injury, Warburton was eager to add to his midfield options during the January window.

Rangers return to competitive action against the Steelmen as they kick-off on the road to Hampden and set their sights on Scottish Cup silverware this season.

The Light Blues came within minutes of a winner’s medal in May and Halliday is determined to make up for the disappointment this term.

He said: “The Scottish Cup is huge for us now. We got the final at Hampden last year and it turned out to be a massive disappointment to lose the game.

“But when you're at a club like Rangers you have to expect to be challenging for silverware.

“So it's a big one for us this year. We're in it to win it but we have a tough draw against a good Motherwell team.

“They ran Celtic very close at Fir Park a few weeks ago. We've played them a couple of times this season already – it took a last minute winner in the league to beat them at Ibrox. So it'll be a difficult tie but it's one we have to try and win.

Read more: Ian Ferguson: Ibrox boss Mark Warburton will have to shop smart to strengthen his Rangers ranks

“I don't want to dwell too much on the Hibs final last May. Obviously it was a disappointing day. But that's why we're even more determined to go and win it this year.

“Realistically, it looks like it's going to be our best chance of a trophy this season.

“But we're confident in the ability we have in the squad to make a good go of it. It'll be tough for us on Saturday.

“But all the boys know how important it is for Rangers to go far in this competition and try to win it.”

*On Thursday, 26 January, Rangers will host the official 2017 Burns Supper at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow. Tickets priced at £89* + VAT per person or £850 + VAT for a table of 10. Supporters can book online at www.rangers.co.uk, call 0871 702 1972 or email events@rangers.co.uk