Warburton: Rangers criticism uncalled for

Rangers boss Mark Warburton insists there will be no knee-jerk rethink of his January signing plans after last week's Livingston slip-up.

Gers were held to a 1-1 draw by Mark Burchill's team as they dropped Championship points for only the second time this season.

It was a result that prompted several pundits to suggest the Ibrox outfit's title battle with Hibernian could ultimately be decided by their January transfer window dealings.

Saturday's draw allowed Hibs to draw level on points at the top of the table and concerned shareholders are certain to quiz chairman Dave King on just how much money Warburton will have to play with when Rangers host their annual general meeting on Friday morning.

But the Englishman - who has already stated he wants to add a maximum of two new faces to his squad - said: "We're in good shape. There's no lack of confidence. The team is doing well. The squad is more than strong enough.

"But as you enter February and March when you get heavy pitches and injuries, we have to make sure that we have options.

"So we will need one or two players more, definitely, there's no doubt about that.''

Warburton - whose side remain above Hibs on goal difference and still have a game in hand - has been surprised by the alarm that greeted his side's recent displays.

Gers started the season in stunning fashion but have found the going tougher in recent weeks as their opponents try to stifle their flowing style.

However, he rejected any notion of a "crisis'' ahead of Saturday's Petrofac Training Cup semi-final with St Mirren.

"I keep reading that (our goals have dried up) and I'm amazed by it,'' he said.

"Our goal difference is plus 31 after 14 games.

"We're in a situation where at the start teams saw how we were going to play and quite naturally are now putting eight, nine and 10 men behind the ball. I understand that.

"Teams will do what they have to do to win a game of football. That's perfectly natural. We have to deal with it but it's tough to break down compact defences with that number of men.

"I read one comment in the paper that Rangers had been sussed out. Well teams are not going to come and play the way we want them to.

"We have to find solutions, which we will do. But when I hear people saying the goals have dried up I find it amazing. We've got 37 points out of 42. That's not a bad record.''

The headlines this week have been dominated by Dundee's plans to stage a Premiership clash with Celtic in the United States and Warburton reckons it is only a matter of time before such a scheme is given the go-ahead.

"It makes sense to broaden horizons into foreign markets,'' he said.

"Look at the NFL games played in London at Wembley and the way that's been received.

"So I'm sure at some stage that will happen. I'm sure down south there will be clubs playing competitive Premier League games in various territories.

"I think it's a Scottish league and two teams want to broaden their brand. If it works, fantastic.''

Warburton's attention in the meantime, though, is on guiding Gers to the final of a competition they have so far failed to win in three attempts.

Gers have faced tricky tests on their two previous meetings with St Mirren this season, even though the Buddies are struggling under Ian Murray.

However, Warburton said: "Naturally, if you are playing Rangers at Ibrox in front of a big crowd, I'm sure any player would rise to that challenge and is inspired by it.

"But we are aware of that every time we play. It becomes that cup final scenario and we have to deal with it.''