IBROX hero Colin Stein has backed Martyn Waghorn to maintain his impressive strike rate when Rangers make their Premiership return this term.

The Englishman topped the Light Blue scoring charts as he hit 28 goals during his first campaign north of the border following his move from Wigan Athletic.

Waghorn was on course to break through the 40 barrier before a knee injury saw him ruled out of action for several weeks.

Boss Mark Warburton has yet to add another forward to his Ibrox attacking line as he continues his preparations for a shot at the top flight title in the coming months.

But Barca Bear Stein is confident Waghorn can once again be relied upon to fire the Light Blues towards the silverware next season.

Stein said: “He is not a natural striker or a number nine, he plays from the wider positions.

“I don’t know if he can adapt but he certainly scores goals and has an eye for goals. Maybe a target man up front would help him.

“If you have a striker that can get you 20 goals then you are doing well. To get 28 was a terrific return and it could have been many more if he hadn’t got injured.

“When I played, you got more chances playing with Rangers and you were looking for 20 at least. It is invaluable and a great asset to a team.

“You always need, preferably, two strikers who you can rely on to score goals. All title winning teams have a striker that scores a lot of goals. Ideally Rangers will have more than one next season.

“Rangers use the wingers and the full-backs a lot and then it is up to the striker to convert the chances. When the wide players have got down the line and put the ball in the box, that is their job done. Then it is up to you to do yours and put it in the net.

“You can be the best player in the world but if you don’t get the service then you won’t score goals. It is as simple as that.

“He scored 28 goals last season and he deserves credit for that. If the manager decides to keep playing the way he does, then it is up to the players to perform.”

It has been a productive summer for boss Warburton as he has added strength and depth to his Gers squad with the recruitment of eight new players so far.

The Light Blue legions are confident they can make a bid for the Premiership crown at the first time of asking as they look to stop Celtic clinching a sixth successive league flag.

And former Ibrox striker Stein reckons it could be a season to remember as Rangers take to the top flight once again in the coming months.

He said: “Watching Rangers two or three years ago, we are further forward just now that we could have hoped for then. The manager will say the same after just one year in.

“It would have been the icing on the cake if they had won the Scottish Cup and got into Europe.

“I think Rangers will do well next season, though. I don’t think the gap is that big.

“The Old Firm game two years ago, Rangers offered nothing that day. But last season they were terrific and Celtic couldn’t handle it.

“I think they have missed Rangers not keeping them on their toes. The likes of Aberdeen are not as consistent as a good Rangers side are.

“Scottish football will be far better for Rangers being in the top flight again. The fans at Ibrox are really getting behind the team now after a difficult few years.

“The fans here are looking forward to the season and Scottish football will be better for having Rangers back in the Premiership again.”

*Barcelona Bear Colin Stein was pictured promoting the Rangers Youth Development Company and their new Youth Members Club - which costs £25 a year and gives fans the chance to get closer than ever to the Rangers Academy.

Members could enjoy Youth Player/Coach ‘Meet and Greet’ sessions, access to selected youth training sessions, competitions to win season tickets, tours of Ibrox and Auchenhowie, a monthly members newsletter and much, much more. ?Rangers fans can continue to support RYDC in a variety of ways – full details on Rangers Lotto, Rising Stars, Scratchcards, Stadium Bricks and the Youth Members Club can be found at www.rydc.co.uk, emailing rydc@rangers.co.uk or calling 0141 427 4914.