I'm Sick Of Being Claude Man Out

Feb 24 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

Rangers V Gretna Today, Kick-Off 3pm

FRENCH striker Jean-Claude Darcheville insists he's about to hit peak form just in time for Rangers' title push.

The powerful hitman has endured a frustrating first season at Ibrox due to injury, suspension and a family bereavement.

He admits the Gers fans haven't seen the best of him since his summer switch from Bordeaux.

But the 32-year-old reckons he's finally finding his feet in Scottish football and is ready to lead the charge as Walter Smith's side battle for four trophies.

Rangers face a gruelling schedule between now and the end of March. With nine matches to fit in and a Scotland fixture further cramming up the list the Gers stars will find themselves playing a game once every three days.

Not that the players will mind given they are flying high at the top of the SPL, in the CIS Cup Final, still competing in the Scottish Cup and in the last 16 of the UEFA Cup.

Darcheville can't wait to play his part in the thrilling run-in - starting with Rangers' 42nd game of the campaign against Gretna today.

He sat at home in midweek fearing his side wouldn't see off Panathinaikos and give him a Euro reprieve after his three-game ban but he's delighted he'll now be eligible for the return leg against Werder Bremen in Germany.

Jean-Claude said: "I feel I'm getting closer to my true fitness now. That has been a month I've been training and playing games so hopefully my hamstring problem is over.

"This is exactly the right time to get fit with such big games coming up like the CIS Final and the Celtic match.

"They will be crucial to us and I want to be part of it.

"Maybe the Rangers fans haven't seen the best of me this season but I hope to show them more before it ends - and again next season.

"I'm pleased my European season isn't over. I watched the game on TV on Thursday and I was so stressed.

"It's great we're continuing our adventure in Europe.

"I know we have the means within this squad to do well in the UEFA Cup and I'm really happy to be available for the second-leg match in Bremen."

In Darcheville's absence his fellow frontmen haven't let their gaffer down with the likes of Kris Boyd, Nacho Novo and Stevie Naismith all coming up with vital goals.

The Frenchman arrived at Ibrox as Smith's first-choice striker and before his injury was often relied on to plough a lone furrow up front.

But rather than feel under pressure to get his jersey back he has enough self-belief to relish the challenge.

Jean-Claude said: "Kris and Nacho have scored in recent weeks and we also have Stevie and Daniel Cousin in the squad. But I don't feel under any pressure to get back in the team.

"In fact I think it's great the club have so many great strikers. I know what I'm capable of so it doesn't worry me. I'm confident in my ability.

"I have played the lone striker role a lot and it doesn't matter who plays it they'll always find it difficult.

"I'm sure Kris would have realised how hard it was against Panathinaikos.

"We have to respect the manager's decision to play with one up front but as strikers we all would prefer to play with someone alongside us."

Darcheville also revealed he'd like to finish his career at Ibrox and that he loves living in Glasgow.

Like Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar, Darch has embraced the Scottish lifestyle and is content here.

But he thanked Gers skipper Barry Ferguson for helping to make the transition so smooth.

He said: "I'm a bit of a home bird.

I don't go out much but my wife and I feel really settled in Scotland.

"When I arrived Barry took me under his wing and showed me everything about the club. He helped me get on with everyone and has been so important in me settling in at Ibrox."