Mark Warburton wants ‘hungry players’ for Rangers

Rangers manager Mark Warburton is on hand at the Petrofac Training Cup second round draw. Picture: SNS

Ally McCoist went for men he thought were the tried and trusted when he brought in players such as Ian Black, Jon Daly, Kris Boyd, Richard Foster and Stevie Smith during his time in charge, but it ultimately backfired.

Warburton wants to go another way and he feels he is maybe only two more players short of having a squad strong enough to achieve his aims.

He said: “If you look at our squad, we have the likes of Kenny Miller, Cammy Bell and, potentially, John Eustace… then we have enough senior professionals.

“I’m all about them mentoring the hungry, younger players, the ones with potential. They’re the ones you want, the ones who will learn from this season and all the various competitions.

“The young, hungry squad, well-mentored, is our formula. You learn from your experiences and, if we can give them the right level and variety of challenges, we should be in good shape.

“John’s done very well. They’ve increased his load day by day and he’s responded tremendously well – he and the medical team are working closely together.

“He’ll be with the group out on the training ground later this week, which is a good sign. There is no deadline for him.

“I’m always looking at options to improve the quality we have and John would do that but, as you saw against Burnley and Hibs, we already have choices in those positions.”

Warburton, who could not have asked for a better baptism in Scottish football than Saturday’s 6-2 win at Easter Road, says he has now spoken with chairman Dave King and is happy with the backing he has been given.

He said: “One or two more signings are needed in terms of the depth you need for a long season.

“I’ve had one conversation with Dave King and it was a pleasure to have it. I can’t be anything other than grateful for the support that we’ve had.

“We’ve got every player that we’ve gone for and haven’t missed out on anyone and I’m thankful for that.

“I think, if you look at my record and David’s record, that you’ll see we’ve used the loan market quite well. We’re always looking for players.

“We have some good contacts and we can offer a different type of learning for young players – for example, the chance to play in front of 45,000 at Ibrox. That’s a steep learning curve so, if we can use that, all well and good.”