Monday 17 August 2015 17:21, UK
Mark Warburton has given a passionate defence of Rangers loan signing Nathan Oduwa after he was accused of showing a lack of respect in the Ibrox team’s 5-1 win over Alloa on Sunday.
The 19-year-old, borrowed for the rest of the season from Tottenham, attempted an audacious ‘rainbow flick’ during an exciting cameo as a substitute in the closing stages of the game.
While it only worked to an extent, the player he tried it against - Alloa defender Colin Hamilton - was far from happy with it and accused Oduwa of trying to show off.
As well as saying he was disappointed by the Englishman’s actions, he also suggested other players might not let him away with it if he tried it again.
By contrast, Alloa’s manager Danny Lennon recognised Oduwa’s talent and said he should be encouraged to display the skills he has.
Hamilton’s comments made back page headlines in many Scottish newspapers on Monday morning, something which Warburton admitted he found “quite incredible” when he saw them.
“I just wonder what the media reaction would be and the fans’ reaction if a foreign player did that," said the former Brenford boss. "If Lionel Messi came in and did that, what would be the reaction?
“He (Oduwa) is a young guy and he came on, a smile on his face with loads of talent, keen to impress and play well. He made a difference when he came on. He has got so much talent.
“There’s no lack of respect. Just applaud him for it and I think their manager made some very sensible comments in that he has got talent, is an entertainer and fans want to be entertained.
“I would encourage him. We spoke to him before the game about areas of the park in which he could work, areas of the park you have to secure and areas of the park you have to track back.
“If you remember, he ran back 40 yards and got a foul deep in our own half. He came inside left and right, worked inside and outside.
“He was told to take risks in the right areas, which he did. He impacted on the game. As a sub, he came on and had a really good impact.
“I’m delighted for him and the poor guy woke up this morning and saw the back page headlines, which I find quite incredible.”
Warburton refused to set Oduwa on a level higher than his opponents but is looking forward to seeing how much he contributes as Rangers bid to win the Championship and promotion.
He added: “That would be disrespectful to say that but he’s a talented player, he has attributes and we have to utilise those talents as best we can. That’s our job.
“He has come here to play football, as have all the guys in our squad. It’s a tight, lean squad but he comes with something new.
“He comes from a great academy upbringing, a great education at Spurs, and likewise Dom Ball. We’re looking forward to utilising them and they’ll have a big impact in the season ahead.”
