Jason Holt: I'll rise to the challenge of Joey Barton's arrival in Rangers midfield battle

The 33-year-old has already made his presence felt in Scottish football after making the move north of the border and the Light Blue legions are eagerly anticipating seeing Barton in action next term.

Holt was a key part of Mark Warburton’s plans last season as Rangers lifted the Championship title and Petrofac Training Cup and reached the Scottish Cup final.

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But the former Hearts star knows the capture of Barton has added strength and depth to Warburton’s squad ahead of a crack at the Premiership title.

Holt said: “There is competition for places all over the park, in every area. It can only be good for a squad and a club of our size. Competition is healthy for our squad and it can only push every individual player to do even better.

“I speak for the rest of the players as well, we’re really looking forward to playing with him (Barton), training with him and being in and around him on a day to day basis. I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from him, along with the other experienced players who have come into the club over the summer.

“I was quite happy with how that went on the goal scoring front. When I signed for Rangers I always said I wanted to make use of the freedom that would be given in the middle of the park and get some goals under my belt.

“Scoring 12, I was happy, but I’ll never rest on my laurels. I want to get more and this season will be the same. I want to push and push and see where it takes me.

“It’s a challenge. When new players come in, and there’s competition for places all over the park. It’s healthy, it keeps everyone on their toes.

“It’s up to whoever has the jersey to do well and keep it. Pre-season’s important on the front as well, so we’re ready when the season starts.”

After returning to action at their Murray Park base last week, Rangers jetted out to Charleston on Monday morning for a pre-season training camp ahead of the big kick-off.

Expectations are high amongst Gers fans for next term and Holt knows the champions have to set their sights on the top flight silverware at the first attempt.

He said: “The size of the club, we won’t expect anything less than being up there and trying to win the league. We know it’ll be tough, we’re not under any illusions.

“We’ll be well-equipped, the gaffer’s made great signings. Everyone’s looking forward to getting going. We’re back in the SPL and it’s great for the club.”

Rangers may be preparing for a Premiership title challenge but European football will not be on their agenda after they suffered Hampden heartache in the Scottish Cup final.

It is only a matter of weeks since Warburton’s side were beaten by Hibernian and Holt is pleased to get back to business after a disappointing end to the campaign.

He said: “It (the season) was good, the main aim was promotion back to the Premiership so in that sense we achieved our goal and winning the Petrofac Cup gave the players and fans a great day out.

“The Scottish Cup final was a massive disappointment and it was a real shame we couldn’t cap the season off with the trophy, but we have a new campaign to look forward to now and we’re looking to push on from here.

“It stuck with me the whole summer and I’m sure that’s the same with a lot of the boys. Any defeat and the way it happened and stuff like that was massively disappointing.

“I was really gutted, constantly thinking about it over the summer and that’s why I’m especially itching to get in and enjoy a fresh season and push on.”