Warburton now keen to add two more new faces

players such as Joey Barton, Clint Hill and Niko Kranjcar, he admits he should have no problems filling the full quota this term.

‘The strength of the bench is massively important,’ said Warburton, speaking in the wake of Friday’s Betfred Cup victory over East Stirling. ‘There was no James Tavernier on Friday, no Jason Holt or Joey Barton, so that was really pleasing.

‘To have players like Wes Foderingham, Rob Kiernan and Martyn Waghorn on the bench tells you a lot.

‘It’s a nice problem to have. We can fill the bench now. Everybody said I was making a statement last season, but it wasn’t a statement — we had no players!

‘This is a nice problem to have. The squad is picking up in terms of quality and numbers but still one or two more would give us that strength in depth just in case.’

Although the club’s three Betfred Cup ties to date have essentially acted as pre-season games, maximum points in Group F of the new-look League Cup has developed some competitive form for Rangers ahead of the club’s top-flight return.

Next up is a home tie against Stranraer tomorrow and Warburton will again use the game to help bed in his new players, with Jordan Rossiter, the midfield signing from Liverpool, in line for his debut.

‘Jordan will join us over the weekend after Under-19 duty with England so he will be available,’ added Warburton.

‘There will be more changes. Joey and Niko will start on Monday, Wes, Tav and Waggy will be back.

‘We’re trying to ensure that over the four games we distribute the pitch time.’