Novo determined to make his mark

Novo has been with Rangers since 2004, scoring over 50 goals

Nacho Novo is eager to make more of a first-team contribution as he enters the final year of his Rangers contract.

The Spaniard was used mainly as a substitute last season and also had injury problems during the campaign.

"This year I start free of injuries and I will work hard to get a place in the team," said the 30-year-old striker.

"At the moment, I still have one more year left, so I'm not thinking about anything. I just want to play and see how the situation goes."

Novo netted nine times last term, including the winner in the Scottish Cup final against Falkirk, and admits it was frustrating to sustain an ankle injury midway through the season.

"I had started to come back again and then I got my injury and found it quite hard to get back in the team," said the former Dundee forward.

The Ibrox club's transfer activity so far this close season has been restricted to departures, with manager Walter Smith yet to bring new faces to the club.

Ferguson a Rangers 'legend' - Novo

And players like Madjid Bougherra continue to be linked with moves away from the Scottish champions.

"The players here are under contract, so the players aren't thinking about it," said Novo.

"Last year was hard because of the situation the club was in, but I think the players are concentrating on the football.

"That's what they are here for. They are not thinking about the other business.

"I'll always love this club, it's in my heart. The fans and the club have treated me very well.

"But it's football and you never know where you are going to be."

One player who has exited Ibrox is Barry Ferguson, with the former club captain having finalised a move to Birmingham City.

"He is a legend, isn't he?" Novo added.

"He is one of the best players I've ever played with. He has a great personality, he's a worker and he helps everybody.

"He is a person I get on very well with and we will miss him."