GLASGOW (AFP) - Steven Whittaker's spectacular strike clinched a 2-0 victory for Rangers against Kilmarnock on Saturday and he has now begged boss Walter Smith to let him solve his left back headache.

The former Hibernian right back has struggled to win a starting place in the Ibrox side's first team - with Alan Hutton performing brilliantly in his favoured position.

However, Rangers have struggled all season in the left back role, with Bosnian centre-half Sasa Papac filling the role while Steven Smith recovers from a long-term groin injury.

On Saturday Papac was missing with flu and Whittaker was brought in for a rare start since joining from Hibs in August.

And not only did the 23-year-old look comfortable in the unfamiliar position, he also secured the victory for Rangers with a stunning goal to add to French striker Jean-Claude Darcheville's early opener.

Whittaker says he would be happy to play every week on the left of defence and is hoping he can now win a regular starting place in Smith's side.

He said: "I was just delighted to get a game on Saturday but it was a bit of a surprise to be playing at left back.

"I played there a couple of times for Hibs but it wasn't a regular thing so it was a bit new to me.

"But I definitely think it's a position I can adapt to. I'm just happy to be in the team and if it's at left back then I'm confident I'm able to play there.

"Alan Hutton has been brilliant on the right-side, but I believe I can emulate what he does on the left - although I'll need to learn to use my left foot a bit more."

Although Whittaker has never been renowned for his goalscoring he has now scored twice for Rangers - having scored in his debut as the Ibrox side thrashed Falkirk 7-2 in August.

However, more importantly to the player and his teammates was Saturday's victory allowed the Ibrox side to cut Celtic's lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League to just one point, after the Parkhead side drew 1-1 away to Hearts.

Whittaker said: "It was brilliant to get on the scoresheet and it was a great strike. To score in front of the Rangers fans was fantastic and I'm a bit surprised to have scored twice this season.

"But the most important thing was to get the win as we knew Celtic had been held by Hearts and we could get within a point of them."

The only downside for Rangers on Saturday was Darcheville limped off with a hamstring injury in the first half, after putting the Ibrox side ahead in only the fourth minute.

However, Smith revealed the injury was not too serious and he should be back for next weekend's scheduled game away to Gretna - although Rangers are hoping for permission to rearrange that match to help them prepare for their vital Champions League match at home to Lyon on Wednesday December 12.

On Saturday the Ibrox side had taken the lead in only the fourth minute.

A clearance from goalkeeper Allan McGregor was nodded on by Kris Boyd and Darcheville ran onto the ball and slotted low past Kilmarnock's keeper Alan Combe.

And in the 55th minute Rangers doubled their advantage when Whittaker cut inside from the left and from 18-yards smashed a right-foot shot into the top corner of the net.

Earlier in the day Celtic had taken the lead away to Hearts through Australian striker Scott McDonald in the 73rd minute but Lithuanian striker Andrius Velicka levelled from the penalty spot in injury time.