Should Rangers consider Liam Boyce if Martyn Waghorn leaves?

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Martyn Waghorn could leave Ibrox and Glasgow Rangers boss Mark Warburton this winter, but would this man be a suitable replacement?

Speculation has mounted that Rangers hitman Martyn Waghorn is a target of English Championship side Bristol City in the January transfer window, according to The Scottish Sun.

If true, Rangers boss Mark Warburton will need to draw up a shortlist of potential replacements in the event that the 26-year-old does leave Ibrox.

And Ross County marksman Liam Boyce represents a very suitable candidate if his form this season is anything to go by.

The 25-year-old has netted six Scottish Premiership goals in seven outings this season. Along with Scott Sinclair, Boyce is leading the way in the Golden Boot stakes.

But there is a catch: the Northern Ireland international is a lifelong Celtic fan and previously had a trial with the Hoops.

Convincing him to join his side could be tricky for Warburton, but one part of Boyce might find it hard to turn down such a big career move in spite of religion or boyhood affiliation as a result of missing the chance to join Celtic.

He told The Record in 2013 that Neil Lennon wanted to see how he fared in a trialist game, but Boyce opted to join Werder Bremen instead.

He went on to make three appearance for the German side’s B team.

One big chance has already passed him by in his career, and turning down another shot at the big time – perhaps his last one – is a huge gamble which may well prompt a feeling of regret when all is said and done.

By January, he would have 18 months to go on his Ross County contract. No team likes losing players midway through the season, but a suitable offer from the suits at Ibrox and County would find it hard to refuse.

It does seem unlikely that Warburton would let Waghorn leave, but if it happens then an inquiry regarding Boyce will do no harm at all. If Waghorn – who has netted once in five Premiership games – has not improved, then perhaps a call to Ross County would be beneficial regardless.