STEVEN WHITTAKER has taken two years to find himself in a position to cement a place in Rangers' starting line-up.

And he is determined not to move from his preferred position at right-back when the new campaign kicks-off.

Ibrox manager Walter Smith has spoken about the former Hibs man in glowing terms.

He listed him as a key man during the final stages of his team's SPL title success last season.

Until then, Whittaker had struggled to hold down the position he had spent most of his top-flight career playing.

Alan Hutton's fantastic form initially kept him out.

Then Kirk Broadfoot came in and made the position his own.

Now, Whittaker finally has possession but he is bracing himself for a battle to keep it.

He said: "There is always competition and when Kirk gets fit, I'm sure he'll be fighting to get back in. So it's up to me and if I start there, it's up to me to keep my place.

"It was a great run-in for me at the end of last season and I just didn't want the campaign to end.

"I was playing well and we were winning practically every week. From that point of view it was enjoyable for me and I took lots of confidence for that.

"Hopefully I can kick on from the start of the new season."

Whittaker returned to the starting line-up last season in March in a 5-1 Scottish Cup win over Hamilton Accies and hasn't looked back.

Injury has ruled Broadfoot out for the end of last season and the start of this term.

"I'd been in and out the team a little bit and it was in my mind that when the opportunity came along, it was up to me to grasp it - and I did.

"I started against Hamilton Accies in the Scottish Cup at Ibrox and scored.

"I just knew it was about time I started to play more regularly in the team.

"It helps to play in a regular position and it's at right-back I'm most comfortable so, hopefully, I can get a good run there."

Whittaker is hoping it won't be long before his former Hibs team-mate Kevin Thomson will be in a position to start an entire 90 minutes.

He played a part in Rangers' two pre-season friendlies in Germany.

"Thommo has been a big loss and we're looking forward to him playing this season," said Whittaker.

"Hopefully he can get a few games and get back to match sharpness.

"Kevin was flying when he picked up the injury at Rugby Park and then as can happen in football you suffer a set back and he was out for a long time.

"He's been in that situation before at Hibs and showed he can handle it so hopefully he'll get back and be stronger again.