Mark Warburton pleased as Rangers see off Annan in Betfred Cup

“I was pleased to win – there was a lot of good things tonight although nothing changes – we’re against a team defending in depth with 10 players,” he said.

“We could maybe have been more positive in penetrating them, in working the ball from one side of the pitch to the other but the first job was to win the game. No disrespect to Annan – we knew the challenge they would represent and that they would come here to compete.”

For the Ibrox boss of course every game at the moment is geared up towards the start of the League campaign on August 6.

“Between now and 6th August we’ve got to make sure we make the changes again,” he added.

“We’ll change the side around on Friday and again next Monday. By the time the Burnley game come around on 30th July the time on the pitch for each player should be spread around.”

Apart from the win there was more good news for Warburton with contract extensions for Wes Foderingham, James Tavernier and Rob Kiernan.

“I was delighted today. All credit to everyone involved in the work going on behind the scenes. To get Wes, Rob and ‘Tav’ signed on for an extra year was excellent news and to welcome Joe as well was good work.

“You don’t want everyone’s contract running out at the same time. That’s the last thing you want. That’s a recipe for disaster. We’re in a good place unity is good.”

There was praise aplenty for new signings Joey Barton, Lee Hodson and Niko Kranjcar.

“Joey was one of the best players in the Championship last year. The job he did for Burnley was magnificent – he’s a Premier League player. He recognised the role he could play at Rangers,” Warburton added.

“You saw Lee Hodson tonight – he’s a very competent performer. Niko is a class act – technically outstanding.”

The icing on the cake for Mark was the signing from Leicester City of young forward Joe Dodoo.

“Joe Dodoo is young with great potential. He’s an exciting talent, technically very strong . He’ll be keen to make an impression.

“We got 32,000 fans tonight – it’s a magnificent arena.”