MARK WARBURTON has hit back at former Ibrox star Neil McCann for his ‘cheap shot’ towards striker Joe Garner and criticism of his summer signing policy.

McCann claimed that striker Garner was ‘in the wrong movie’ as he tried to adapt to the style of play Warburton has implemented at Ibrox.

But the Englishman insists the 28-year-old should be given more time to prove himself as he attempts to get up to add to his three goals in Light Blue.

Warburton said: “‘If you want my honest opinion I’m disappointed when ex-players take cheap shots. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

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“But to look at it on such a micro level? Look at the bigger picture.

“How long has Joe been here? How many games has he played?

“I saw recently in a presentation that Andre Grey scored two goals in 10.

“By his own admission Andre, who I have so much respect for, that he wasn’t playing the best.

“Had Scott Hogan not been injured he might not have played a few games.

“But he stayed and scored five in the next 10 games. Then four in the next 10. He ended up scoring 16 and leaving for £7million.

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“But he scored two in 10 to begin with. At Brentford the focus was not quite so intense.

“Eventually he grew into a £30million striker, a magnificent player.

“Joe has been here such a short period of time and I was disappointed by cheap shots of that nature.”

After a lacklustre start to the season that saw them fall well off the pace being set by Celtic, Rangers moved up to second spot in the standings with victory over Partick Thistle last weekend.

A trip to Tynecastle tonight is another significant test for Warburton and his players but the Gers boss is pleased with the progress that is being made at Ibrox.

He said: “I am accused of picking up on the negatives but we have won five out of seven, we are unbeaten in 32 games at home.

“I read about how our wretched home form continues with a 1-1 draw. We are unbeaten in 32.

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“Nobody mentions those stats. I do get frustrated by it because I think the players deserve a bit more.

“It is a tough place to go to, Partick. Other teams go to tough venues and win 1-0 and they have ground out a decent result.

“We have to use it. If it is a negative, use it and feed off of it. We are in a good position right now.

“Can we be more clinical in front of goal and get more rewards? Of course we can. But every team can get better.”