KYLE Hutton believes the Rangers kids have finally got to grips with the Third Division's hatchet men.

Hutton has been amazed at some of the challenges the Ibrox club's players have been subjected to in the bottom tier.

And the midfielder has been surprised that match officials have allowed rival teams to get away with it.

However, the 21-year-old, who is hoping to line up against Annan Athletic tonight, reckons the Gers young guns are now coping with that rough treatment.

He said: "You get a few bumps and bruises at this level. I got a good wee elbow at the weekend there against Montrose.

"Some of the challenges I have seen are crazy. The one wee Blacky got on the chest was crazy.

"It is different. It is different from what I experienced in the First Division with Partick Thistle.

"At corner kicks you are getting nudges and kicks and punches. It is harder.

"In the SPL games there are cameras everywhere. Now we have dropped down the leagues that isn't the case and players get away with more. I think they take full advantage of that."

Hutton added: "Some of the challenges we have seen have been straight reds. The referee just talks to them, gives them a booking at most.

"But you just need to get used to that when you drop down the leagues. I think we are starting to do that.

"That is football. I will never complain about it. I give it out as well so it would be a cheek for me to complain about it.

"I wouldn't say it's malicious. I just think that is what happens and you just have to get used to it."

Hutton believes the likes of Fraser Aird, Lewis Macleod and Barrie McKay will ultimately benefit from the harsh introduction to Senior football.

He said: "It is a big learning curve for these guys, but they have been doing brilliantly."