Mark Warburton keen to bolster defence ahead of league opener

Mark Warburton confessed he will look to reinforce Rangers' back-line before next week's premiership opener after seeing Burnley brutally expose his side's deficiencies in defence.

He's previously admitted he is on the hunt for extra cover at centre-half, as well another striker, but will now step up his search after seeing Andre Gray run riot at Ibrox.

Gers failed to get to grips with the #9million frontman - who previously worked with Warburton at Brentford - as he netted a hat-trick in the Clarets' 3-1 friendly win.

Warburton knows there is little point comparing the Light Blues to a side bathing in Premier League millions but he was worried by how easily Rob Kiernan and Clint Hill were by-passed in a bruising first hour.

Now he will look to act swiftly as Rangers prepare to make their top-flight return at home to Hamilton next Saturday.

He said: ''We need one or two more; we've said that for a number of weeks but you've got to get the right players in. There are Burnley players rated #25million and we can't pay that kind of money. It's a smaller talent pool but we know what we want and if we can get it we'll make the move. I hope to get something done before next Saturday. We are working on it.''

Gray slotted Sean Dyche's side ahead from the penalty spot after just four minutes after Hill appeared to drag him down in the box.

The 25-year-old then gave a glimpse of his clinical finishing when he beat Wes Foderingham again on 18 minutes.

Former Motherwell striker Lukas Jutkiewicz then set him up for his treble seven minutes into the second period with a headed knock-on, with Gray fizzing a low drive into the bottom corner.

There was a smear of respectability added to the scoreline when Burnley defender Ben Mee turned Michael O'Halloran's cross into his own net with quarter of an hour left.

Gers, however, were well off the pace, although Warburton was pleased with the workout.

He said: ''We said all along about the quality of opposition, playing an English Premier League team and you saw that. They're the type of test you have to have. Andre we know inside out - we brought him from Luton. He's pace and power and uses these attributes very well. He will trouble defences and score a lot of goals in the Premier League undoubtedly. And he'll keep on getting better. He's a tough opponent but we got too deep. We were too wary of his pace. He's a very special player. We were on the back foot, we were too spread, but we recognise there were areas to improve on out there.''

Dyche has high hopes for Gray as he prepares to step up to England's top division for the first time after his 25-goal Championship campaign last term.

He said: ''It's a new challenge for Andre. He's definitely up for the challenge. He's enjoying his football, as he did last season, and it's exciting for him when you look at the journey he's been on. His biggest weapon is that he doesn't over-think things. If he misses a chance, he's not bothered, he will take the next one.''

However, the Turf Moor boss did admit his frustration after seeing his side drop off in the closing stages, saying: ''I was generally pleased with the game but the last 30 minutes were unacceptable from our team. You can't do that in the Premier League - teams will hurt you.''