Kenny McDowall insists Rangers will pay no attention to Hearts boss Robbie Neilson's controversial comments ahead of the Championship opener between the teams at Ibrox on Sunday.

Former Gorgie defender Neilson added spice to an already tasty game, which will be refereed by the experienced Craig Thomson, when he was quoted as saying: "We've been working on 10 versus 11 because we know what it's like when we go there - the atmosphere, with referees - and you never know what's going to happen."

However, speaking at Rangers' training complex, assistant manager McDowall said: "We certainly don't practise like that, but they are entitled to do what they do and that's his opinion.

"We are just looking forward to the game.

"The referees and linesmen are under pressure like we are all under pressure and I am sure they will want to go out and give a good account of themselves.

"But we are not paying too much attention to that, to be honest."

Asked it if was an attempt at mind games by the Jambos boss, McDowall said: "You would need to ask him.

"We are just concentrating on Sunday. We are looking forward to it. We can't wait."