Mark Warburton hails 'oustanding' Lee Wallace after Rangers win
Sunday 16 August 2015 17:12, UK
Mark Warburton paid tribute to Lee Wallace after describing the performance of Rangers' new captain as 'outstanding' against Alloa.
Wallace celebrated his appointment by leading the Light Blues to a 5-1 win over Alloa on Sunday, their goals coming from Martyn Waghorn, James Tavernier, Jason Holt and two from Kenny Miller.
Warburton revealed he agonised over who to select as successor to Lee McCulloch, but is adamant the 28-year-old emerged as the stand-out candidate.
Warburton said: "It was only logical. People ask me why I didn't do it earlier, but I think to rush into a decision of that magnitude would have been wrong.
"It's a big responsibility and you have to know that the player is up to it. But Lee, from the first whistle, has been outstanding for us. He fully deserved it.
"When he said yes to the offer, I was delighted for him - because he will be crucial this season."
Warburton handed a debut to on-loan Tottenham winger Nathan Oduwa, who produced some sublime tricks after coming off the bench in the second-half.
A 'rainbow flick' drew the ire of some Alloa players and Warburton admitted it didn't go down too well with him, but he certainly liked what he saw from the 19-year-old.
He added, referring to Oduwa's rainbow flick: "I'm not always a big fan of that! But you've got to hope you develop a real talent - and he is a real talent.
"You've got to make sure you create the environment for those boys to flourish. That's the key.
"I'm delighted with how he played and delighted we've got him. But he has to realise that he's up here to learn.
"There's no lack of respect intended by any of the players, absolutely not. Nathan's just enjoying his football."
Wasps boss Danny Lennon was left to rue another sloppy start by his side, just a week after shipping three goals in the first half against Queen of the South.
He added: "We didn't give ourselves the best possible start - again - which is disappointing. We haven't learned from last week.
"We got ourselves back in the game through a fantastic Michael Chopra goal, but didn't give ourselves any opportunity to build on that, giving away a penalty straight away.
"I think we only implemented the things we worked on in fits and starts.
"But you can certainly see the quality of Rangers. They are a much improved side and played expansive football."
