Holt Wanted Fresh Challenge

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Jason Holt claims he has taken a step up in moving from Championship winners Hearts to Rangers.

Holt was part of the squad that finished 24 points ahead of Rangers last season before the Glasgow club lost 6-1 to Motherwell in the play-offs.

But the 22-year-old is excited about the coming season under Mark Warburton after joining on a three-year deal following a successful trial period.

When asked if it was a step up, the boyhood Hearts fan said: "Yes, it's a massive club. We all know the history of Rangers so I think so. The standard is great.

"People can talk all they want. I've come to a massive club, there is no doubting that. And since I have come in, the ambition that everyone has shown, the manager and players, is not in question."

Rangers had to pay Hearts a development fee after Holt rejected a Tynecastle contract offer.

Holt, who made 70 appearances for Hearts, said: There was an offer but I think I maybe needed a new challenge. That's the case quite a lot in football, that players sometimes just feel they need to move on."

Holt spent the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield United, where he scored five goals, after finding starts hard to come by under Robbie Neilson. With Nigel Clough losing his job at Bramall Lane, Holt was not offered a contract in South Yorkshire and he admitted he was put off a new deal at Hearts by the potential lack of first-team prospects.

"Maybe," he said. "And, like I said, maybe I needed a fresh challenge. I'm just delighted to get it done and looking forward to the season.

"Since I came in the door, I could sense a real excitement around the place from the players. It's great to be part of this squad and this season."

Holt has played several friendlies for Rangers but his first competitive game comes against title rivals Hibernian at Easter Road in the Petrofac Training Cup.

"We want to go there and win and try to set the tone," Holt said.

"If we can do that, it would be great."