We’ve just raised the Barton & I must be equal to task
SAYS JASON HOLT
Jason Holt has no problem complimenting new Rangers icons Niko Kranjcar and Joey Barton.
All he want s to do now is complement them.
The midfielder was a stalwart of the Ibrox club’s Championship triumph last season, playing 45 games on their road back to the Premiership and the Scottish Cup Final.
With the inf lux of quality to his department over the summer though, hitting that number again is going to be a massive challenge – especially when Holt views every day alongside them as an education.
But boss Mark Warburton insists he shouldn’t have an inferiority complex about playing beside two guys who have been there, seen it and done it all.
And the 23-year- old admits he’s fighting to see himself as an equal.
Holt said: “The level of the player brought in has been really high. That has to result in the standards rising.
“The group who were here last season have had to raise it anyway with us
stepping up a division but it does feel like we have taken it up a notch now in training.
“It’s great for me to have the calibre of player like Niko and Joey here but there is also a challenge. Competition is healthy but I do bel ieve I can complement them as well.
“Every player in that department probably brings something different to the team. But I am looking to learn from them. They’ve both played at a really high level in the past.
“At the same time you have to keep trying to impress yourself because we have more numbers in the squad and you can’t take your place for granted.
“The manager hasn’t spoken to us about it but as players we recognise it. And I’d be quite happy to play 45 games again this season, definitely.
“But first and foremost it is down to hard work in training. Every player will be making sure t hey work hard on the training field and do well on match days so that if they are given that jersey they hold on to it.”
Warburton insists he’s close to knowing his best XI for the start of the season but admits it can change by the day, depending on what he’s seeing in training and in the glut of Betfred Cup games, the fourth of which will come at home to Stranraer tomorrow night.
Everyone has had a crack so far, which means the likes of Holt has had to accept his spot as an unused substitute in midweek.
But despite the arrival of a midfield cavalry, there’s no grudge from Holt about the presence of guys he now sees as mentors.
He said: “Since day one, Joey has been
great. He adds a lot of qualities to the side, both on and off the park. I’ve noticed that already. “He has so much knowledge of the game and we are looking to pick up l ittle things. It’s invaluable. “And Niko is a top guy. The same as Joey, he’s been great on the training f ield. He works so hard. “In games his quality is there for all to see and although he’s a pretty laid back guy off the field, when the action starts in training or on the field he shows 100 per cent commitment. “I think his move here shows the type of character he is. “He’s hungry for more success and that’s great for us. You want those characters in the squad – people wanting success constantly.”