DARREN MCGREGOR hopes the arrival of five players on loan from Newcastle will help raise standards within the Rangers squad.

Boss Kenny McDowall handed starts to Remie Streete and Haris Vuckic for the Scottish Cup clash against Raith on Sunday following their deadline day switch to Ibrox.

McGregor took over from Streete at the heart of the Gers defence after he hobbled off injured just before the break while Vuckic capped his bow with a goal as Raith earned a shock 2-1 win.

Gael Bigirimana missed out on his first appearance for Rangers despite being unveiled last week while Kevin Mbabu and Shane Ferguson will head north of the border when fit.

McDowall revealed on Thursday that he had been ordered to play all five Toon kids when they were available for selection and McGregor knows there will be a fight for places in the coming weeks.

"These guys are coming up to play, there is no way you are getting fringe Newcastle United players to come up here to sit on the bench," he told Rangers' match programme.

"That makes us alert and it will help raise standards. Competition levels will rise as well because you know they are effectively coming in to take your place.

"That is justified, if they come in and do well they are entitled to that.

"So it raises the standard right across training and that will only be a good thing for the team.

"One of my friends is a big Newcastle fan so he was texting me and giving me the lowdown on how good they are.

"He told me they are all really good, quality players.

"I know myself when Paul Dummett and Conor Newton came up to St Mirren on loan from Newcastle, they are great players and they really helped us.

"I'm sure our five players will be young and hungry and they will give the place a big lift."