Chris Burke (left) was a late substitute against Hearts

"We have a lot of games coming up at the end of December and in January," said the winger who is reportedly a loan target for First Division Clyde.

"And I am sure we will need to use our full squad to get the points we need.

"There have been a few injuries and that happens in football, so I hope there's an opening for me."

Burke ended speculation over his future in January by signing a two-year contract extension that keeps him at the club until summer 2009.

The manager said at the start of the season he would need a big squad to push for the SPL title and that is still the case Chris Burke

He was a regular in the latter part of last season, although often from the bench.

And the summer arrivals of Lee McCulloch, Beasley and Steven Naismith looked to have put the Scotland cap out of the picture.

His only other action this term was a CIS Cup appearance against East Fife.

But Burke made his first Scottish Premier League appearance of the season when he was introduced in the 84th minute of Saturday's 2-1 win over Hearts.

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"I have come back at a busy time and hopefully that works in my favour," the 24-year-old told his club website. Rangers face 11 games in 39 days, starting from Sunday's trip to Aberdeen.