Mark Warburton says Rangers must step up in class this season

Rangers manager Mark Warburton acknowledges his team must step up in class when they start their Scottish Premiership campaign against Hamilton on Saturday.

The former Brentford boss steered Rangers into the top-flight last season, winning the Championship by an 11-point margin.

However, he is fully aware that this campaign will provide an entirely different test. 

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"This is the next level- the next level of player, the next level of demand and it's a different challenge," he said in an interview with Rangers TV.

"It's pleasing to start at home after what has happened and the club's return to the top flight.

"It will be a packed Ibrox and a big occasion and I'm very much looking forward to it."

Ahead of the forthcoming campaign, Warburton has made a statement of intent by securing the signatures of veteran midfielders Joey Barton and Niko Kranjcar, along with seven other signings.

"Joey, Niko, Clint Hill and Matt Gilks are used to playing on the big occasions.

"It is a magnificent football arena so you have to enjoy it, you have to recognise responsibility and our job is to go and deliver a performance."

Rangers have already got off to a promising start to the campaign and last week they reached the last 16 of the League Cup with a 3-0 win over Stranraer.