Warburton aiming for 8 in a row

Mark Warburton has not watched any of Rangers' slip-ups from last season - because they are "totally irrelevant'' to his rampant side.

The Rangers manager will take his players to Queen of the South on Sunday hoping to become the club's first boss since Bill Struth in 1920 to win his first eight competitive games in charge.

But the trip to Palmerston will bring back plenty of painful memories for the travelling Light Blues faithful.

They lost twice in Dumfries last season, firstly when Ally McCoist was in charge in December just hours after it was leaked he was quitting, then four months later when Stuart McCall had taken over.

However, Warburton has chosen not to view those nightmare upsets against the Doonhamers, or any of the other video nasties showing Rangers' struggles under previous management.

The Englishman said: "Without being rude, last season is totally irrelevant. I don't mean any disrespect but it's not about last season or the year before that. It's about us here and how we do.

"Have I watched the games against Queens from last season back? No. For me there is no need. What am I looking back on? Right now it's about Rangers in the here and now. Our targets are very clear. Why would I look back?

"It's another artificial surface on Sunday, a very good one I understand. At Alloa we dealt very well with it, the same on Wednesday night (against Airdrieonians). We're looking forward to this next game.

"If our mindset is to meet each challenge, we'll be okay. If we plant doubts and look back at last year when we didn't do well against Queen of the South, I don't see what we gain from that.

"I was told we struggled at Alloa (last season). So this weekend is exactly the same scenario. So in a very non-arrogant way, our job is to be about Rangers and to apply ourselves appropriately.

"If we do that, I think we'll be okay. The squad is strong and in good shape. The players are hungry and the level of work ethic and desire is very evident. So right now we're looking forward to the next game.''

Rangers' transformation under Warburton has had as much to do with the former Brentford chief's forward-thinking approach to management as it has done with the 10 new players he has signed up.

However, despite the likes of Sheffield Wednesday striker Stevie May and Tottenham youngster Alex Pritchard - who Warburton had on loan at the Bees - being linked with Ibrox switches, the former City trader is not expecting many more arrivals ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline.

"No I don't think there will be a signing frenzy,'' Warburton said.

"I think we have done our business. We have been pleased with what we have done. We're looking around at the depth of the squad and the young players like Ryan Hardie and Tom Walsh are giving us options.

"We're happy we have got those reserves behind us as well.

"There are lots of names being bandied about but right now I'm very comfortable that we're in good shape.''

On Pritchard, who has also been touted for a move to Norwich, Warburton added:

"I would love to bring Alex Pritchard here on loan but I think he will be playing at a very high level. He will be a top player.''

Warburton could still make one final deal, though, after admitting he is hopeful of concluding a move for midfielder John Eustace soon.

The former Derby veteran has been on trial since July but he has delayed putting pen to paper while he recovers from a long-term knee injury.

The 35-year-old suffered a recent setback but Warburton said: "John has had a small injection to help with the bone bruising so he will be with us very shortly in terms of training.

"It's about us getting the pace of his rehabilitation right. Will he sign once we can get him fit? I hope so very much.''