Warburton: Gers Are Ready

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Rangers boss Mark Warburton believes his side are perfectly prepared for their up-coming promotion bid.

The Englishman was in the Ibrox dugout for the first time in a competitive setting on Sunday as his side claimed a 3-0 Scottish League Cup success over Peterhead.

The former Brentford manager used the clash with Jim McInally's side as well as last week's 6-2 Petrofac Training Cup romp over Hibernian to do some fine tuning ahead of Friday's Ladbrokes Championship opener with St Mirren.

And after netting nine goals in his first two matches in charge, the signs are good for Warburton as he looks to finally lead Gers back to the top-flight.

Rangers continue to be linked with a move for Hibs' playmaker Scott Allan while former Derby battler John Eustace is closing in on a contract.

But even if Warburton does not make any further additions, the Gers boss is confident his side are in good shape ahead of their league campaign.

He said: "Today was game five of five (pre-season fixtures) and I'm delighted with the way it's gone. It was a good result last week and again today, so we're ready for Friday night.

"I've looked at the team, the squad is all fit and ready and we're in good shape, touch wood.

"We are always looking (to add players). We have to. A club like Rangers always has to be looking to add quality. If the right player becomes available, then we always have to be looking (to make an approach). If we don't then we are going to fall behind very quickly.

"It would be disrespectful for me to talk about Scott Allan. It is a saga because he's not my player. Put yourself in my shoes - he's a Hibs player. Of course he is a talented player but he's a Hibs player and it's not for me to talk about another club's player.

"But I'm pleased with how we are looking. From day one the whole squad has surprised me with their work ethic, application and quality, which has been outstanding.

"We had a dip in quality yesterday in training for one little round of games. The boys saw it and corrected it and it was outstanding from then on. If we don't get any more players in, the squad is in great shape. If we do and someone becomes available, then tremendous. But right now I have no qualms about using anybody in our playing squad."

Rangers took time to get warmed up against Jim McInally's men but grabbed the initiative four minutes before half-time when David Templeton steered home Barrie McKay's cut-back.

Substitute Kenny Miller then netted at the back post on 76 minutes after the impressive James Tavernier burst into the box, while the right-back put a gloss on the scoreline himself when he blasted past ex-Gers keeper Graeme Smith with eight minutes remaining.

Peterhead boss McInally, though, admitted he had cost his side dear as he chased a way back into the match.

"I totally exposed the boys in the second half by putting guys up the park trying to score," he said.

"We made it a more entertaining match for people with the kamikaze way that we played."