Nicky Clark was one of the reasons why Rangers did not make an impact in the cup competitions last season.
He scored Queen of the South's opening goal at Ibrox in the Ramsdens Cup, which the Dumfries side eventually won on penalties. Rangers were knocked out of the Scottish Communities League Cup by Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and defeated in the Scottish Cup by Dundee United, and Clark intends to make amends this season.
Having scored 41 goals for Queen of the South as they secured the second division title, he has agreed to sign for Rangers as a free agent when the club's registration embargo ends on September 1. That means another campaign in the third tier of Scottish football for the 22-year-old, but he believes it will be a productive spell at the club where he was once released as a teenager. Having joined Jon Daly, Cammy Bell and Nicky Law in agreeing terms, with more signings likely to follow, the Ibrox squad will be stronger this season.
"The squad will be better-suited to [cup runs] this season," Clark said. "We've made a few good signings and others will be coming in. The club has been signing really good, experienced players. We'll want to make an impact in all the cup competitions, as well as the league.
"A lot of people will be expecting us to do well in the cups and we will be trying to do that but the main thing will be to try to win the league because the most important thing is to get back into the SPL as soon as we can.
"You have to remember that Queen of the South were a good team last year, as well. It was a good night for us but, hopefully, it will be a different story this season. Last year, Rangers had a lot of young boys in and now we are bringing in a lot of experience, so we will have a good team. I'll get more chances playing here, but last year was a memorable season."
Clark has not set a goals target for next season, but then his initial focus will be on securing a place in the starting line-up. As well as Daly, Ally McCoist can play Dean Shiels, Lee McCulloch and Andy Little up front, while the club continues to be linked with former striker Kenny Miller. Having been a regular at Queen of the South, Clark will need to adapt to his new circumstances. "I know it is going to be hard to get into the team because there are so many good players," Clark said. "I'm just going to get my head down and work hard, hopefully get in the team and once I'm in, try to score a few goals and stay in it. I am up for the challenge. I've got a wee insight into the teams we will be playing and they are all good sides but I'm sure that we will do well."
Meanwhile, Rangers last night refuted reports that they are to sign former Dundee United pair Prince Buaben and Morgaro Gomis.
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