NACHO NOVO admits he was worried he would never score for Rangers again when he was frozen out by coach Paul Le Guen in the summer.

The former Dundee striker, who was watched by Stoke City at the weekend, had been linked with a move to Coventry City during the August transfer window but stayed at Ibrox to fight for his place, and he responded to an unexpected recall last week by scoring two important goals in as many games.

Novo was handed his second start of the season in the UEFA Cup tie in Livorno last Thursday and scored the clincher in a 3-2 victory.

He was back on the bench three days later but his 85thminute goal gave Rangers a 3-2 win against St Mirren at Love Street for their first Bank of Scotland Premierleague win on the road since July.

The Spaniard says the goals have helped his confidence "enormously", but he added: "There were times when I didn't think I would score another goal for Rangers.

"I didn't know what was going to happen and I felt nervous about my future, but the best decision I made was to stay. I love the club and am happy to fight for my place."

Novo celebrated his goal in Italy by running to the touchline and hugging Le Guen. He told Rangers News: "Everybody has been going through a bad time lately, including the manager, and I wanted to show we are all together. We are all behind the manager."

He added that he understood Le Guen's decision to rest him for most of the St Mirren game after his exertions in Italy.