WES FODERINGHAM knows the pressure and scrutiny will ramp up on Rangers next season if they are back playing in the Premiership.

But the keeper is determined to earn a chance to shine in the top flight spotlight as he looks to help Mark Warburton’s side to title glory this term.

Rangers head into their clash with Raith Rovers this afternoon three points clear of promotion rivals Hibernian in the second tier standings and on the back of a whirlwind week that has seen the future of boss Warburton grab the headlines.

It has been another new scenario for the 53-year-old and his players to handle but Foderingham has no qualms about operating in the Glasgow goldfish bowl.

He said: “It is not a given we are going to get back into the SPL. We have to work hard and make sure we do win the Championship to get there.

“We need to focus on that first and when we do get there we will experience some great game.

“I am sure the media hype around Rangers will increase if and when we get back to the Premiership. I am looking forward to it.

"You obviously want to play for Rangers in the Premiership and in the big games - Old Firm games as well. I think that's what everyone has come here for and I don't want to leave before that has happened.

"On paper, as a massive club with a bigger budget, you would say we are expected to win the division. But football is not like that and you have to work hard for anything.

"It's not given to you. So far, we have done really well. We are at the top of the table and we look to continue that.”

After storming out the blocks in the opening weeks of the campaign, Rangers have found the going tougher in the last few weeks and have had to dig deep to add points to their tally as opposition sides have defended in numbers to stop them in their tracks.

The Light Blues will also face Morton and Falkirk before the showdown with Hibs on December 28 and Foderingham knows there will be no let-up in terms of the pressure on their shoulders.

He said: "Especially in the Championship where, on paper, we are expected to win every game. I'm sure the fans appreciate how hard we work.

“If we are not up to our usual standards, then they will voice their opinions and rightly so.

"It is up to us to maintain the high standards we have set and continue that way right until the finish.

"I suppose [it is good to have a year in the Championship to bed in]. But if you are not performing well and losing games in the Championship, the fans are going to let us know.

“So it's about adjusting quickly, staying at the top of the table, getting promoted and then taking it from there.”

Rangers got a key run of fixtures this month off to a winning start with a 4-0 triumph over Dumbarton at Ibrox on Tuesday night as they opened up a three point gap to Alan Stubbs’ side.

It took some half-time words from Warburton to spark an improved showing after the break from the Gers as he showed a different side to his management style to the Ibrox squad.

Foderingham said: "When things aren't right, then he is going let us know about it.

“At half-time on Tuesday, the performance had not been up to our usual standards. So he let us know.

"We came out in the second half, stepped it up a gear or two and went on to win the game. So it was a good team talk.

"He is very constructive with what he says. When he does lose his temper a little bit, it is because he wants us to do better. He knows we can do better.”