Stepping into the void left by 'Blue Cafu' Alan Hutton's departure for pastures better paid, Whittaker has yet to hit the same heights
Tall, willowy but deceptively strong, the ex-Hibs man can play on the right side of defence or midfield, and has even deputised for Sasa Papac at left-back.
Whittaker arrived for £2m in the summer of 2007, and since Alan Hutton’s big-money move to Spurs in early 2008 he has been first pick for the right side of midfield, developing into a fine, stylish ball-player with a tough, competitive streak.
He’s not a natural goalscorer, but his superb individual effort against Sporting Lisbon was one of the highlights of Rangers’ 2007-08 UEFA Cup campaign.