Harkins’ jibe means nothing to Warburton

MARK WARBURTON has dismissed any thought of using Gary Harkins’ ‘new-club’ jibe to help fire up his players for today’s Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox. The Dundee midfielder lined up against Rangers for three different clubs prior to their financial meltdown and liquidation in 2012. But last month, Harkins said of the Championship leaders: ‘Ah, they’re just a new team. I’ve not played them before, so I’m looking forward to that. It should be good.’ He later tweeted that it was ‘just a wee joke took too far’. Rangers and their supporters vehemently insist they remain the same club despite the insolvency event — a view backed by SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster, who pointed to the findings of a Lord Nimmo Smith-chaired commission that examined the use of Employee Benefit Trusts at Ibrox. The Championship leaders yesterday issued a statement hitting back at anyone questioning their ‘unbroken timeline’ — but Warburton will pay no heed to Harkins’ wind-up. ‘Those comments are of no interest to me, honestly,’ he

From Back Page said. ‘We have to talk from a position of strength in terms of knowledge. ‘We have enough motivation. It is a Scottish Cup quarterfinal at Ibrox. ‘There is no need for any special motivation. If there is, you shouldn’t be in our dressing room.’ Rangers have urged supporters to ignore ‘ill-informed’ comments about their history as they issued a warning about behaviour when Dundee visit. Referencing the club’s Follow with Pride campaign, a statement on the Ibrox website said: ‘Clearly, it rankles with some that we, Rangers, are still here with our history intact and the best way to protect this proud heritage is to ignore our detractors. ‘Do not react to them and give others cause to criticise our behaviour. ‘Instead, Follow With Pride and deny those who cannot accept reality, or legal judgment, to examine their own mindsets. ‘Celebrate the club, its unbroken timeline, honours and achievements but do not sing any inappropriate songs. ‘Gestures and chants which are deemed offensive should also be avoided no matter the level of provocation. ‘While it is important to be aware Police Scotland, the SFA and SPFL can take action, remember also that this club enforces its own code of conduct. ‘Let’s Follow With Pride and treat the illinformed with the silent contempt they deserve.’ Meanwhile, Warburton is pushing for answers as soon as possible about which of his players might be called up for international duty this month. Scotland boss Gordon Strachan plans to name two squads for the friendlies against the Czech Republic (in Prague on March 24) and Denmark (at Hampden on March 29). The Under-21s are also in action in European Championship qualifiers. They meet France in Angers and Northern Ireland in Paisley. SPFL rules permit a postponement when a