Warburton is not fazed by missing out on Allan

MARK WARBURTON claims he is not upset at missing out on Scott Allan — because he only wants players who are fully committed to Rangers. The Hibernian playmaker — a boyhood fan of the Ibrox team — underwent a medical at Celtic yesterday after a cash-plus-players agreement was reached between the clubs. Rangers had three offers for Allan rejected by the Easter Road outfit, who remained adamant they would not sell to their main Championship rivals. The 23-year-old could have signed a pre-contract at Ibrox in December, but will instead seek to progress his career at Parkhead. Asked if he was disappointed at failing to land the midfielder, Warburton replied: ‘No. I only want players who want to be Rangers players — simple as that. ‘I’ve said it many times, I said it at my first Press conference — we only want players who want to be at Rangers. ‘If any player goes elsewhere, that’s fine. We wish any player well. But right now our only aim is to make sure we have players who want to be playing here at Ibrox. ‘We have to try and do the best for Rangers. Our only focus is to make sure we act in a respectful,

professional manner. We will always do that. ‘We have acted more than appropriately in everything we have done. We move forward from here.’ Rangers’ final offer for Allan was in the region £275,000, with a sell-on clause. Chairman Dave King had previously spoken of ‘over-investing’ to help create a Premiership-ready team. However, Warburton insists he is happy with the financial support for his plans. The Ibrox manager hopes to confirm another loan signing next week to follow the Tottenham duo, defender Dominic Ball and winger Nathan Oduwa. ‘The squad is taking shape,’ added Warburton. ‘Hopefully, we will have brought in nine or 10 new players by the time the transfer window closes. ‘We have made a radical overhaul of the squad. ‘Don’t forget, a lot of players went out of the club in the summer, including loan signings as well. ‘The players we have gone for, we have received great support and backing. I’m more than happy. ‘We are very happy with the two players who have come in this week. ‘We will have another very exciting player coming in on loan next week and we are looking forward to working with him. ‘Then, from our point of view, we will be almost there in terms of the squad.’ Veteran midfielder John Eustace is the other addition Warburton aims to make, with the 35-year-old former Derby County player still working on his fitness at Murray Park. ‘John had a small setback, just because he had worked so hard to get up to speed with the rest of the group,’ said Warburton. ‘It’s a case of getting the pace and the balance right with John. ‘He is a very talented player and you will have seen the comments from others in the squad about how they have taken to him, how they are tapping into his experience. ‘We are delighted with John, even with the role he is playing now. He has got so much to offer.’