Rangers striker Jermain Defoe has dropped a major hint that he will hold onto the striker's jersey even after Alfredo Morelos returns from suspension.
The veteran has also admitted he's found it tough to watch from the sidelines in recent weeks with just one start since September.
His only appearance from the start was against Hamilton in a 3-1 win and he's been restricted to fleeting substitute appearances.
He's also struggled to find the back of the net in his cameo appearances with no goals since the equaliser in a 2-1 win over Motherwell back in October.
And the veteran admits it has been tough to watch his team-mates shine but he knows Alfredo Morelos' incredible form is playing a big part in his lack of playing time.
The 37-year-old has a combined playing time of just 43 minutes in December so far but insists that although he finds it difficult to take, he knows he needs to remain upbeat for the sake of Steven Gerrard's squad.
Defoe is likely to be back in from the start when Rangers travel to Easter Road to play Hibs on Friday night, with Morelos suspended after being sent off against Motherwell.
And he could also have it for the Kilmarnock clash at Ibrox on Boxing Day after providing a clue that he will play in the next two matches - despite his Colombian team-mate back after his one-game suspension.
He told RangersTV: "It’s difficult. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are it’s been difficult. I’m not going to sit here and lie and say ‘ah nah it’s been fine’. It’s been really tough because at the beginning of the season I was missing a couple of games then I was back in, and I felt like I could keep that level of fitness and sharpness.
"If you’re missing four, five, six games and eventually do come back you always make sure you’re ready but you don’t wan to lose any match fitness.
"I’ve not missed any training sessions, I’ve tried to keep myself sharp and fit and we’ll see what happens.
"I came here last night to do a gym session. When you play two games a week it’s difficult to go to the gym and do your power stuff. Your strength work and last night was an opportunity.
"Obviously it looks like I’m going to play the next two games so I’ve got to be ready.
"When you’re older there’s a certain way you’ve got to try and conduct yourself. It’s not always easy because you have to be professional but at the same time you’re human and you’re going to be a little bit down when you’re not playing.
"You go home and you take it out on the people who are closest to you which is normal but not nice again.
"It’s important that I try and come in and think about the other lads who aren’t playing or can’t get in the squad, the younger lads.
"To try and show them that even if you’re not playing you’ve got to be professional and spirits have got to be high.
"You don’t want anyone sulking or bringing bad vibes or anything."
And when asked how excited he was to be playing, he added: "I’m looking forward to it. I’ve spoken about match fitness and all that sort of stuff but at the same time I’m lucky because I’m playing in a good team so I always feel that most games you dominate.
"I always believe I’m going to get chances so hopefully if I’m playing in these next two games I’ll manage to get goals and more importantly win the games."
