IT is the most debated and discussed aspect of Mark Warburton’s Rangers blueprint and a problem that many feel has yet to be addressed.

But Danny Wilson hopes he and Clint Hill can silence the doubters and lay the foundations for a successful season at Ibrox by becoming the first choice partnership at the heart of the Light Blues’ rear guard.

The defender played his part alongside Rob Kiernan as Warburton’s side lifted the Championship title and Petrofac Training Cup last term.

He then heard a host of names linked with a move to Glasgow over the summer, and two players arrive at Auchenhowie, as the Gers boss added much-needed strength in depth.

It is Wilson and Hill that have been handed the starting jerseys in recent weeks but, with Kiernan back from injury and Philippe Senderos clear of suspension, Warburton has options once again.

Rangers’ defensive capabilities have often come in for criticism this season, but Wilson hopes some of the questions have been answered in recent weeks.

He said: “We had the two games previous and then we went again against Aberdeen with me and Clint Hill in partnership.

“At the moment we are doing pretty well. You know going up there you could be under pressure. We were able to control most of the game.

“If we can keep things tight at the back then we hope to gain an advantage going the other way.

“We feel as though we’ve been doing okay. Hopefully it’s the start of a solid partnership and hopefully we can start putting the ball in the back of the net at the other end.

“The window is closed so I’m not worried about anyone else coming in.

“Any footballer believes he should be playing, as a defender I was just hoping for the nod to play.

“As a defender there perhaps isn’t the same focus on you in comparison to a striker or a wide player.

“I was fortunate enough to get the nod and I think the last few games have gone reasonably well.

“I said just before the window closed that I always felt if I got the nod I could do well.

“I knew if I could perform at a decent level I’d get my chance and I hope that continues.”

There has been a degree of trial and error for Warburton in recent weeks as he has utilised different combinations in a bid to find the perfect partnership.

Wilson and Hill were unable to keep a third consecutive clean sheet at Pittodrie as the Gers lost further ground in the title race.

The 24-year-old benefitted from the experience of David Weir when he made his big breakthrough during his first spell at Ibrox.

And Wilson hopes Hill can help him improve if the pair are pitched into battle against Partick Thistle this afternoon.

He said: “Clint’s played at a good level all his career and people that are saying things out with, I can’t really agree with them or listen to them too much.

“He’s a good professional, he knows the game, he’s a very good communicator and I feel in the games we’ve played together we’ve done really well.

“I’m happy playing alongside him. Obviously it’s a bit alien me playing on the right side with me being very left-footed but it’s just one of those things we’ve got on with and tried to strike a balance.

“I think there are a lot of comparisons (with Weir). Davie was a big help to me but I think I’m a lot more mature player than I was back then.

“I didn’t want at the time when I played with Davie to be a burden for him and I certainly don’t want that with Clint. So hopefully we help each other just as much.”

The focus may have shifted to Rangers’ offensive issues in recent weeks but there are still problems to be solved at the heart of the Light Blues back four.

Boss Warburton continues to stick with his attacking blueprint as he strives for improvement and looks to guide his side up the top flight standings.

And Wilson insists the philosophy will stay the same as the Gers look to turn their possession and performances into points in the Premiership.

He said: “People say ‘why don’t you do this’ or ‘why don’t you do that’ in terms of staying more solid. We’ve looked at things that can try and help us.

“But we believe we’re a team best suited to getting the ball down, moving it quickly and getting on the attack. We play with attacking intent.

“Of course we are always looking at ways to stop conceding goals and areas where we can be more solid, but we’re not just going to change our entire style of play.

“We need to find that balance of being more solid yet still being able to play in our attacking way.

“The results haven’t been great this year, there is no getting away from that.

“But if you look at those games there are long periods where we’ve had complete control of it.

“We have switched off at times and we’ve lost a silly goal, that’s where we need to improve.

“Just look at Aberdeen last week, they didn’t come out and try and attack us. They sat in and looked to hit us on the counter attack.

“Our strength is going forward and we don’t want to lose that — the full-backs will join in the attack and we don’t want to change that.”