Rangers midfielder Josh Windass has hit back at critics of his manager Mark Warburton, and dismissed claims that the Premiership title race is already over as “ridiculous”.

The performance of the former Accrington Stanley man was one of the few bright spots for the Ibrox men last Saturday as they were comfortably beaten by rivals Celtic.

His direct and energetic running from midfield was a notable highlight of an otherwise abject display from the Light Blues.

The defeat has led some to suggest that Rangers are out of the title race even at this early stage of the season, but Windass is having none of that.

"It's five games in and I heard Kenny [Miller] say once in an interview that Rangers had won the league when they were seven points behind with five games left.

“We've still got over 30 games left so to say we are out of the title race is a ridiculous statement.

“It was a bad defeat, we recognise that. But because we lost to Celtic it’s made out to be a lot worse than it actually is.

“We are only five games into the season, there are a lot of new players at the club and there’s a long way to go.

“You never know what can happen in this league and obviously Celtic could still drop points.

“Losing 5-1 was tough to take but it was my first league start for Rangers and to make it in an Old Firm derby was a dream come true. I was happy how I did.

“I was delighted the gaffer put me in and it shows he has a lot of faith in me.

"To be honest, after the game I just wanted to play it again the day after. I loved every minute of it. I know we lost the game but experience and everything, I loved every minute of it.

"As a footballer you want to play in those games. It was the best experience of my life so far. We got beat and it was horrible but I can’t wait for the next game and the one after that. But until then we will take it game by game.”

Windass insists that the players at Ibrox are firmly united behind manager Mark Warburton, despite the dressing room bust-up that led to Joey Barton being dismissed from training until Monday.

"Training has been the same as always,” he countered.

“[Mark Warburton]'s a great coach and a great guy. The result on Saturday was one of those things.

"The sending off made it hard. We were comfortably in the game at half time and I fancied us at the start of the second half to get back into it. But it was a false game after the sending off.

“Everyone was a bit down, obviously, following the result last weekend but the boys have managed to pick themselves back up.

“We’ve got another game this weekend and we’re ready to go.”

With Rangers wilting in the Celtic Park cauldron last Saturday, Windass expected the strong criticism that has come from those outside the club as well as from wounded Rangers supporters.

He admits that the expectations at Ibrox have been something of a culture shock for him coming from Accrington Stanley, but with experienced campaigners in the dressing room, he says that the squad can handle it.

"The lads have been here long enough and they know the expectations,” he said. “They believe in themselves.

“You're not at Rangers if you are not a good player. The confidence will still be there and while last weekend won’t be forgotten about we can push on until the end of the season.

“Even the first game against Hamilton, when I was injured, you sensed the pressure.

“We got a draw at Kilmarnock and got slaughtered. That’s a good thing because it pushes you on and makes you want to get better.

“Last year at Accrington Stanley was totally different. We had the lowest budget in the league and we didn't expect to win every game but we won more or less every game.

“It was different because here you could be 2-0 up at half time and still get booed off if you are not playing well.

"But the fans are good when you are winning. But you have to keep winning to keep them happy.

“I’m sure if we play the way we can then we’ll get a result against Ross County.”