KYLE LAFFERTY admits he faces a tough task to dislodge in-form striker Alfredo Morelos from the Rangers forward line this term.

The striker returned to Ibrox in the summer to provide competition to Morelos in Steven Gerrard’s squad but has been overshadowed by the Colombian so far.

Lafferty netted twice on his second league debut for the Light Blues against Motherwell before scoring in the Europa League draw away to Villarreal.

But a strike in the 5-1 win over St Johnstone in September is his last league goal for Gerrard’s side as chances have proven to be in short supply.

The Northern Irishman made his 150th appearance for Rangers against Livingston last month but saw Morelos come off the bench to score his 16th goal of the campaign and set up Scott Arfield for the final strike in a 3-0 victory.

Lafferty told RangersTV: “I want to play as many games as possible and I haven’t really played as much football as I wanted.

“But when you have a striker that plays in my position and is scoring goals and doing well for the team it is difficult to get in unless the manager decides to play two up front.

“I knew I wouldn’t be coming here to play every single game. As long as the team is winning and I am getting the odd minute here and there then I am happy.

“It was [special to make my 150th appearance]. I only found out when I was coming off the bus.

“When you grow up a Rangers fan, to have one appearance for your club is special. But to have 150 is extra special.

“I think the last start I had was Livingston [away] and I went to speak to him after and I held my hands up. I was miles off that game.

“It was one of those games where the team didn’t really perform to the levels that we can and unfortunately I was one of the players that didn’t perform.

“When that happens, there is only one thing you can do. You have to work hard in training and take on board what the gaffer is saying, and his coaching staff, and try and work hard to get back into the team.

“If you play one up front, and I start up front, I know that Alfredo is waiting in the wings to come in and take his chance, like he did [against Livingston] when he came on and scored and set up the third goal.

“I just have to keep working hard at my game and if I do well and get goals then it gives the gaffer a headache.”