GOAL ACE LEE WILL NOT SET TARGETS.

Byline: LISA GRAY

LEE McCULLOCH may be Rangers' joint top scorer but he has refused to put any pressure on himself to bag more goals this season.

The midfielder netted the champions' first goal of the campaign in style when he set the ball rolling in the 4-1 win over Falkirk with a blistering effort which thrilled Ibrox.

And the 31-year-old was on target again on Sunday when his equaliser sparked a comeback against Hearts as Rangers triumphed with a 2-1 win at Tynecastle.

McCulloch failed to find the back of the net at all last season and, despite his eye-catching start, has no real plans to add goalscoring to his game this term.

"It's not a bad record compared to my goalscoring last season," he said.

"But I'm not really out there to be scoring goals, they are just a bonus. I'm happy with the goals but I'm not putting any pressure on myself to get any goals."

A versatile player, McCulloch has been used in almost every position during his time at Ibrox and has been deployed in central midfield after a couple of outings at centre-half last year.

"I know my job and I know what I've got to do," he said.

"I know what the gaffer wants me to do and I enjoy the responsibility.

"I just think the ball is being passed about a lot more this season and everybody is enjoying it."

With Pedro Mendes expected to shake of a thigh injury in time for Saturday's visit of Hamilton and long-term injury absentee Kevin Thomson now fully fit, McCulloch admits he will be happy simply to remain in Walter Smith's plans.

He added: "It's good in the middle and Steven Davis is a fantastic player who helps me a lot.

"He's the one who is usually setting up the chances and I really enjoy playing with him. I'm just looking to stay in the team."

CAPTION(S):

TALENTED McCulloch loves playing alongside Steve Davis TWO IN TWO McCulloch netted in both games to date