MARK WARBURTON is confident Kenny Miller can continue to lead the way for Rangers this season and play a crucial role on and off the park for the Light Blues.

The 36-year-old joined his boss at Murray Park yesterday as Rangers scooped a January awards double by landing the Player and Manager of the Month prizes.

Miller has scored 12 goals in 25 appearances for Warburton’s side this term as he has become an integral part of Warburton’s new look Gers side that have opened up an eight point lead in the Championship title race.

The striker has already been rewarded with a new deal that will keep him at the club for what Rangers hope will be a shot at the Premiership title next time out.

And Warburton is confident there is plenty more to come from Miller as sights are set on the second tier title and cup success this season.

He said: “I am delighted with Kenny. I said to you right at the start and when he earned his new contract that it wasn’t a sympathy vote, it was a well-earned contract.

“He had a big impact in pre-season, he scored goals, his quality in training, his attitude in training is first class. He is a great role model to the younger players but he is hungry to play.

“There is no sympathy vote, you have to work hard for your contract and Kenny did that, so I am delighted for him.

“It is not about a message, it is about myself, David, Jim, the coaching staff doing what we think is right by the squad. Kenny justified that and earned that contract.

“When he first came back, he had a niggling calf injury but Kenny knows his body, he knows what has to be done. He caught up in the training that he missed, so all credit to him for that, and he made an immediate impact.”