STEVEN WHITTAKER spent the last few weeks diving for cover as speculation swirled around Glasgow and Edinburgh that he was on his way to Rangers.

But today the £2m star was happy to step into the limelight - and declare himself ready to meet the challenge of playing for one half of the Old Firm The 23-year-old watched close pals Kevin Thomson and Scott Brown leave Easter Road in big money moves along the M8 in the last seven months, and wondered if his chance would come.

Talks had been going on behind the scenes for some time between Rangers and Hibs after Walter Smith identified the powerful Whittaker for the right side of midfield.

And after agreeing a five-year deal, a delighted Whittaker said: "I am just delighted to be at Rangers. It's a fantastic opportunity. Obviously, I've taken a step up here and I want to progress and prove myself. I want to win things at the club and develop into a better player.

"I have spoken to Thommo a few times and he told me what it's like to play for Rangers. He's loved every minute of it, and it's good to be teaming up with him and all the quality in this squad.

"I just can't wait to get started now. I haven't played 90 minutes yet this summer, so I'm looking to get some games under my belt.

"I think it will be an easy transition for me as I know a lot of the boys from the Scotland Under-21s, and also from getting called up to the full squad. They are all good lads and I will settle in fine."

Whittaker is suspended for this weekend's SPL opener at Inverness after a one-game ban was carried over from last season, and is ineligible to play in the second leg of Gers' Champions League qualifier against Zeta next Tuesday night in Montenegro.

But he already has one eye on a dream home debut against St Mirren on August 11 - and he then hopes to be pitched into the third Champions League qualification round a few days later.

"I've been thinking about that a lot, playing in front of the home Ibrox crowd," he smiled. "It's something people dream of when they were younger and I'm no different.

"Playing in the Champions League is obviously a big thing, and it would be great to play there.

"I am sure the lads will get through next week and I would be able to play in the next round.

"Of course that opportunity is a big factor. I want to be able to go and show I can play at a level like the Champions League."