MARK WARBURTON was given a blank canvas and now the big picture looks far better for Rangers. The transfer window may have closed without any further arrivals but the rebuilding work had already been done at Ibrox before the late flurry of deals across the country. Warburton has promoted from within, given players with a point to prove a chance to show what they can do and brought in young stars determined to make a name for themselves. Here, SportTimes looks at what Warburton now has at his disposal as he looks to continue his stunning start as manager.

GOALKEEPER

Recruiting a new keeper may not have seemed like the top priority for Warburton this summer but it was one of the first areas the Ibrox boss looked to address following his appointment.

Wes Foderingham has immediately grabbed the Gers gloves this term and looks unlikely to let them slip through his grasp after a solid start to the season between the sticks.

The 24-year-old was a highly-rated shot stopper south of the border but somewhat of an unknown quantity in Scotland before he agreed a switch to Ibrox.

It has taken time for the Light Blue legions to get used to his style, the Englishman playing the sweeper keeper role and become a regular starting point for Rangers’ attacks, but he has become an integral part of Warburton’s plans already.

In kid keeper Liam Kelly, the Gers boss has adequate back-up on the bench and Cammy Bell faces a fight to reclaim the No.1 jersey he finished last term with when he recovers from injury.

DEFENCE

Lee Wallace aside, Warburton would have been aware that he needed to significantly remodel his Rangers rearguard as quickly as possible this summer and he wasted little time in getting down to work.

The captures of Danny Wilson and Rob Kiernan kicked-off the recruitment drive and both have started the season well as their relationship continues to improve on a weekly basis.

It is right-back James Tavernier who has stolen the show, however, as he has quickly become a hero to the Ibrox crowd and one of the most important players in the new look Gers line-up.

With five goals in eight games and a string of superb performances to his credit already, Tavernier is arguably the pick of the Warburton recruits so far.

Skipper Wallace has enjoyed a timely return to form under the new management team of Warburton and David Weir and he and Tavernier will play a significant role at both ends of the park this term.

Having allowed Darren McGregor and Marius Zaliukas to leave Ibrox, it is Spurs kid Dominic Ball who will provide the main back-up in the coming months, with the likes of Ryan Sinnamon and Luca Gasparotto, on loan at Falkirk and Morton respectively, given a chance to prove their worth elsewhere and show they are good enough to be considered for the future.

Rangers may only have conceded five times this season but the defence still looks exposed at times and they will be more rigorously tested against higher calibre opposition.

MIDFIELD

The arrival of a host of players have transformed Rangers in the middle of the park and given Warburton a selection headache on a weekly basis.

Nicky Law and Dean Shiels are the only two survivors from last season to be given a shot in midfield this season, with Andy Murdoch and Robbie Crawford farmed out on loan in a bid to gain the match minutes they requires to progress.

Both Law and Shiels have started the season well but could now find their chances limited after the acquisition of Gedion Zelalem from Arsenal.

The 18-year-old has already shown his star quality and huge potential in his appearances against Airdrie and Queen of the South and he looks set to be an influential figure in midfield this term.

The other new recruits, Andy Halliday and Jason Holt, have also both caught the eye thus far, the boyhood Gers fans showing his quality as the central pivot in Warburton’s 4-3-3 formation and the former Hearts star playing a key role in a more attacking berth.

When a deal is completed for John Eustace, Warburton will have a more defensive, and more experienced, option should it be required this term.

ATTACK

Some Rangers fans may have been looking for another striker to arrive on deadline day but Warburton’s side are hardly short of firepower and goals don’t look like they will prove to be a problem this term.

Martyn Waghorn has led the line well in the opening weeks of his Gers career and has six goals to his credit already following his switch from Wigan Athletic.

The 25-year-old has been the focal point of the Ibrox attack so far but in the fluid system Warburton has employed, there is a reliance on everyone to play their part.

Barrie McKay has made the most of what was probably his last chance in Light Blue and has rightly received praise from Warburton for the way he has started the season.

On the other flank, Kenny Miller has again proven he still has plenty to offer this term in a variety of roles.

Warburton is certainly not short of options in wider areas, with Tom Walsh and Nathan Oduwa, who has agreed a season long loan from Spurs, capable of operating on either flank.

It is a big season for David Templeton and Nicky Clark but both could find it difficult to earn the chances they need to prove themselves, while Ryan Hardie will be hoping to kick on from last term after making his breakthrough under Stuart McCall.

With 30 goals in their eight games so far, Rangers certainly look as though they are going to be entertaining to watch as Warburton has put his blueprint in place.